While the testing follows the discovery of lead in Newark School water pipes and the watrer supply for Flint, MIch., the testing is actually tied to Hurricane Sandy
HOBOKEN -- In the wake of possible contamination by Hurricane Sandy, free testing of lead levels will be offered Thursday and again next week to children under 18, pregnant women, and adults involved in efforts to recover from the storm.
Thursday's e testing will take place at the Hoboken Multi Service Center, 124 Grand Street, from 9-11 a.m., and Noon-2 p.m., the city announced Monday. Testing during the same hours at the same location will be offered on April 28.
Although the announcement follows episodes in which lead was found in the water in some Newark schools due to outdated pipes and throughout the water supply of Flint, Mich., the Hoboken testing was actually prompted by the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The testing, which is being administered in conjunction with Jersey City's health department, is being funded by a grant that is part of a broader Sandy recovery program. Copies of the test results will be given to each individual or the child's parent or legal guardian.
In addition to the results, educational materials will be provided addressing various topics: the effects of lead poisoning; preventing lead poisoning; nutritional guidelines; lead in makeup, toys, and cookware; common household lead hazards.
Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.