Rutgers University, Pathmark Stores, the MidAtlantic Dairy Council and the Gateway Maternal and Child Health Consortium launched the Newark pilot of the "Calcium In Lead Out" Campaign to prevent the subtle lead poisoning in inter-city children.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Rutgers FSNEP (Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program) provided lead testing and nutritional counseling to Newark residents whose children may be at risk for lead poisoning. The event was housed at three Pathmark Supermarkets in Newark on September 22nd and 29th.

Two physicians from the UMDNJ Medical School in Newark, dietetic interns, nutritionists and lead educators from Rutgers Cooperative Extention and the MidAtlantic Dairy Council who co-sponsored the event were on site at Pathmark stores on Bergen Street, Lyons Ave., and Ferry Street locations.

The Leadie Eddie Van greeted shoppers. After children were blood tested, parents and children entered the store and met with nutrition experts who provided information and recommendations on getting 800 mg of calcium rich foods into their children's daily diets. Recipes were provided with information on both dairy and non-dairy alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant. Samples of calcium rich foods were given to children.

The "Leadie Eddie Van" was present at all locations to test children's lead levels at no charge with parental consent. Blood samples from a child's finger was the testing method that is being used. Dr. Peter Wenger, a pediatrician from the UMDNJ Medical School was on hand to help provide counseling to parents.

Studies conducted by researchers at UMDNJ show that 40% of Newark's children are calcium deficient, said Dr. Donald B. Louria, Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the UMDNJ Medical School. In addition, Dr. Louria stated Newark children have the highest lead levels of any city in the state, Therefore there is a tremendous need to incorporate more calcium into the diets of children who may have contacted lead poisoning from the effects of peeling lead paint and dust, and lead contaminated soil. Even subtle lead exposure may have detrimental effects on learning and social behaviors.

Click here to learn more about lead poisoning in New Jersey children.

For more information on the "Calcium In Lead Out" social marketing campaign, please contact Dr. Debrah Palmer, Phone: (732) 932-9853, Fax: (732) 932-6522,