More children in New Jersey are getting screened for lead, according to state health department data collected in the 2022 fiscal year. A new report shows that 78% of children who turned three in that year got at least one blood test — an uptick from the year prior. But as medical experts say, there is no safe level of lead in children and the consequences can be devastating. And the report says the overall number of children testing positive for lead is declining.

“Despite the fact that we’ve sort of recognized the legacy of lead and what it does to people, we’re still dealing with infrastructure and housing stock within a lot of our older municipalities that people are still being exposed to paint and other construction materials,” said Kelvin Boddy, director of Healthy Homes and Communities with the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.

New Jersey is looking to invest an additional $5.2 million to expand its lead screening program for children. The funding is part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget proposal. Lawmakers are now reviewing that proposal and have a deadline of July 1 to approve a balanced budget.