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Lead screening is covered
Lead screening for your child is a service we cover at no cost to you. You can also earn rewards for lead screening. Read on to learn more.
Questions about your benefits? Just call Member Services at 1-855-232-3596 (TTY: 711). We’re here to help.
Protect your child with lead screening
Lead poisoning can be serious and cause side effects and health problems:
Behavior problems
Learning problems
Hearing problems
Hyperactivity
Anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells)
Slower growth and development
Seizures, coma and loss of life (with very high levels of lead)
Every child should have lead screening:
At 12 months old
At 24 months old
As early as 3 months old and more often until age 6 for children at higher risk for lead exposure
Right away for children 3 to 6 years old who haven’t had screening yet
Do you think your child has been exposed to lead? Just talk with your child’s health care provider about the need for screening.
Need help with screening or finding a provider? Just call Member Services at 1-888-232-3596 (TTY: 711).
Pregnant women and children are at increased risk for lead exposure.
Lead builds up in the body. Over time it gets stored in the bones. Pregnant women can pass lead to an unborn baby.
The effects of some lead exposure for an adult may be small. But that same amount can have a large effect on a child. This is why young children and babies are at higher risk for lead poisoning. Are you pregnant or planning a family? Talk with your health care provider. And find out if you’re at risk for lead exposure.
If screening finds too much lead in your child’s blood, treatment can help. So can our Lead Case Management program. Our program nurse:
Helps arrange care with your child’s health care provider and your local health department
Helps schedule screening visits
Provides info and education about lead
Offers tips to prevent lead exposure
Connects you and your family with community resources
Need to learn more? Just call us at 1-888-232-3596 (TTY: 711).
Keep your family safe with this lead checklist:
In your home
Talk with the property owner or local health department about testing your building for lead-based paint if you live in or visit a building built before 1978.
Renovate safely. Learn how to remove lead paint.
Clean floors and other surfaces regularly with a mop, sponge or vacuum. Use warm water and an all-purpose cleaner.
Keep your work clothes apart from your family’s clothes. Shower and change your clothes before coming home if you work in a place that can produce lead dust or dirt.
Take off your shoes before coming into the house.
Click here for information on sources of lead contamination
On toys
Wash toys often.
Teach your kids to wash their hands with soap and water after playing and before eating.
Don’t buy toy metal jewelry. Painted toys and toy jewelry may contain lead.
Remove recalled toys from your home.
In food
Use cold water for drinking, making baby formula and cooking.
Make sure children eat a small healthy meal four to six times a day.
- Choose foods that have calcium, iron and vitamin C, like yogurt, green leafy vegetables and beans.
- Avoid buying candy or spices from other countries. These may contain lead.
Healthy food to keep your child safe from lead
Need more info about lead screening? You can check with your health care provider. Or contact the Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness. Just call 1-800-734-7083.
Test your water
To find out about water testing for lead and arrange for a no-cost service line checkup, contact the Department of Water & Sewer Utilities:
By phone: 973-733-6370
By email: WaterAndSewer@CI.Newark.NJ.us
Online: City of Newark website (you can check your address for eligibility)
These locations offer appointments for pickup of water filters and replacements.
Department of Health and Community Wellness
Address: 110 William Street
Call for a time slot: 973-733-7600
Times: Pickup time slots are on:
Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Newark City Hall
Address: 920 Broad Street
Call for a time slot: 973-733-6370
Times: Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Department of Water & Sewer Utilities
Address: 239 Central Avenue
Call for a time slot: 973-733-6303
Times: Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
What to bring if you need filters or cartridges
If you visit one of the locations for filters or cartridges, please bring:
Your ID: a driver’s license or government ID
Proof of residency if you’re a tenant/renter: a lease agreement or utility or cable bill
Photos of your kitchen sink faucet so we can give you the right type of filter (if possible)
Questions?
Just call us at 1-855-232-3596 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the State of New Jersey’s Department of Health website.
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