Pallone Requests Immediate Response from Christie Administration on Lead Prevention Efforts

Press Release

Today, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), who serves as the top Democrat of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led his colleagues in sending a letter to Cathleen Bennett, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, following up on a February 22, 2016 request for information on the department's role in preventing childhood lead poisoning. The Members of Congress requested responses from New Jersey and six other states by March 14, 2016. New Jersey is one of only two states that have not yet responded.

The initial letter asked for more information on the federal funding that New Jersey receives to help detect dangerous levels of lead in communities. The funds, awarded to states by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are meant to assist public health authorities in identifying high risk areas and implementing interventions as needed. Pallone asked for information on exactly how these funds are used and if additional resources are needed to combat this serious public health challenge.

"It shouldn't take a tragedy like Flint to remind us of the serious risks posed by lead right here in New Jersey," said Pallone. "Exposure to lead has lifelong and irreversible effects on our children, and we can't let a preventable crisis harm an entire generation. We need to ensure that New Jersey has the resources it needs to combat this public health challenge, and that it is using federal dollars effectively to protect our communities. I hope to see a sense of urgency from the Department of Health in responding to our request and in dealing with the underlying issues."

Recent news reports have shown that 11 New Jersey cities and two counties have a significant proportion of children testing for unsafe blood lead levels. It has also been reported that 30 schools in Newark found lead levels as high as 35 times above the federal action limit. According to the most recent CDC data, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Massachusetts have the highest reported numbers of children with blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter.

Earlier this year, Pallone testified before the New Jersey Senate Committee on Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens on the alarming rates of children affected by lead poisoning throughout the state. He has also sent letters to the New Jersey Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Human Services raising questions about the management of a program to provide lead poisoning screenings for pregnant women, children, and uninsured adults in counties impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

In February Pallone introduced the AQUA Act, which significantly increases water infrastructure funding authorization so local communities can repair and replace their aging water systems to help ensure residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Source