The City of Trenton Department of Health and Human Services is excited to announce the Summer Lead Awareness Series: Back to School Edition, a community event aimed at raising awareness about the risks of lead exposure as families prepare for the upcoming school year. The event will take place on Saturday, August 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cadwalader Park in the Blacktop Area near the Museum.

Residents of Trenton are encouraged to bring household items that they or their children use daily for onsite lead testing. The city will provide free testing for a range of items, including but not limited to:

• Painted metal toys
• Crayons
• Clay pots
• Glazed or painted dishes
• Spices purchased outside the U.S.
• Nail polish
• Children’s jewelry
• Cultural items such as Bendi & Sindoor

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can be found in many places including homes built before 1978 with leaded paint, leaded pipes, contaminated soil, and imported goods. While many children show no signs of lead poisoning, the impact can be life long resulting in slowed growth and development, reduced attention span, poor motor control, and damage to the brain and nervous systems.

Free lead testing is available for children 17 and under, provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. Through this service families have an opportunity to speak to a nurse to discuss their child’s personal risk and receive recommendations to reduce exposure.

“I want to thank Health and Human Services Interim Director Diego Minacapelli and staff for this great event, which is organized in collaboration with the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture. Lead exposure is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on our health, particularly for children. Providing testing and information to the community is an important step in ensuring everyone is taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their families,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora.

“The Summer Lead Awareness Series is a great opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and take action. As we prepare for the new school year, it’s essential that we prioritize the health and safety of our children,” said Interim Director Minacapelli.

The event is free and open to all residents of Trenton. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable testing and information as we gear up for the new school year. Let’s work together to create a healthier Capital City for our children.

The post TODAY – City of Trenton Department of Health and Human Services Hosts Summer Lead Awareness Series: Back to School Edition first appeared on TrentonDaily.