Newark to test 17,000 kids for lead poisoning

Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J.

Newark will test up to 17,000 children for lead poisoning after elevated levels of the toxin were found in the drinking water at nearly half of the schools in New Jersey’s biggest city.

City Health Director Hanaa Hamdi told officials Tuesday that testing will start with some 2,000 toddlers who attend early-childhood centers. A specific date hasn’t been set to get blood samples from the children.

Lead is known to severely affect a child’s development.

In the week since the higher lead levels were first reported, officials have urged calm. They say the lead levels in some of Newark’s schools don’t compare to the crisis that has plagued Flint, Mich.

Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday his administration would work closely with Newark officials to help remedy the problem. The commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection is working directly with the superintendent of Newark schools, he said.