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Adult Lead Exposure: Incidence Rate of Blood Lead Level >= 25 ug/dL, New Jersey, 2000 to 2023

Indicator Report Data View Options

Year2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220230.01.02.03.04.05.06.07.08.0Rate per 100,000 Employed Persons Aged 16 Years and OlderAdult Lead Exposure: Incidence Rate of Blood Lead Level >= 25 ug/dL, New Jersey, 2000 to 2023
YearRate per 100,000 Employed Persons Aged 16 Years and OlderCount
200020007.5304
200120016.5259
200220025.3216
200320035.2212
200420044.5187
200520055.2222
200620063.6155
200720074.6166
200820084.3184
200920093.9160
201020105.6203
201120112.0100
201220122.088
201320132.091
201420141.459
201520150.521
201620161.151
201720172.085
201820181.249
201920191.463
202020201.976
202120211.878
202220222.091
202320232.5116

Why Is This Important?

Among adults, lead poisoning is primarily a preventable occupational health problem. Lead exposure in adults can cause anemia, nervous system dysfunction, kidney problems, hypertension, decreased fertility and miscarriages. Lead exposure may also harm children and other family members through contamination unintentionally brought home from the workplace.

Possible sources of non-occupational lead exposure to adults may include: lead-contaminated dust created during home renovations; engaging in a hobby that involves lead (example: bullet making); food stored in lead-soldered cans or improperly glazed pottery; some traditional folk remedies and cosmetics; and some sources of tap water.

Definition

Incidence and prevalence rates of New Jersey adults reported to have elevated blood lead levels in a specified time interval.

Data Notes

Blood lead levels can give an idea of recent exposure to lead, 3 to 5 weeks before being tested. However, it is not an effective indicator of body burden of lead resulting from long-term exposure. These data are based on an adult lead surveillance system that uses laboratory (NJAC 8:44-2.11) and health care provider (NJAC 8.58-1.5) reporting. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lead regulations require monitoring blood lead levels for workers when air concentrations of lead exceed a certain limit. However, OSHA regulations do not require blood lead testing for all workers who handle lead. These data are therefore subject to significant underreporting. A decrease in cases may also be a result of the implementation of an electronic reporting system which more efficiently collects and de-duplicates reported lead cases. During the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease may have also been seen due to individuals not getting tested for lead.

Data Sources

How the Measure is Calculated

  • Numerator:

    New cases of reported state residents age 16 years or older with a blood lead level greater than or equal to 25 ug/dL.
  • Denominator:

    Total number of employed persons age 16 years or older for the same calendar year.

Related Health Objectives and Indicators




Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

Health Topic Pages Related to: Adult Lead Exposure