Rutgers Health Advocates for Mandatory Heavy Metal Screening During Pregnancy and Birth
- Lead exposure during pregnancy can harm both mothers and newborns.
- Onajovwe Fofah, a Rutgers Health expert, is the program's principal investigator.
- Many pregnant women may have high exposure to metals yet remain undiagnosed until their babies are older.
Mandatory Screening for Heavy Metals During Pregnancy and at Birth
Lead exposure during pregnancy can harm both mothers and newborns. However, New Jersey and the U.S. lack a mandate for universal screening. In 2019, Rutgers Health started a program, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for lead and heavy metal screening at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. This initiative aims to detect and address exposure early in pregnant patients and infants.
Onajovwe Fofah, a Rutgers Health expert, is the program’s principal investigator. He emphasizes the need for early screening. If any exposure is found, Diane Calello provides guidance on treatment. Fofah plans to present his findings to the American Academy of Pediatrics to advocate for screening newborns at birth instead of waiting until nine months.
Newark’s population faces various health disparities. Many pregnant women may have high exposure to metals yet remain undiagnosed until their babies are older. Since June 2019, the program has screened over 17,000 samples, revealing that approximately 14% of births have elevated lead levels. The data supports the need for early intervention through screening at both the start of prenatal care and delivery.
Lead is a harmful neurotoxin. In children aged 1 to 2 years, it can lead to decreased IQ and developmental delays. However, the effects of in-utero lead exposure on newborns are less clear. Identifying and addressing exposure is vital to reduce risks.
Expectant mothers may not always recognize their exposure to lead. Symptoms like constipation and abdominal pain can occur, but they can be vague. Pregnant individuals who suspect exposure should contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center for support.
Treatment options for reducing lead levels include chelation therapy, which binds lead for removal from the body, and dietary adjustments with calcium and iron supplements. However, the most crucial step is to eliminate the source of lead. Evaluating home environments is essential to reduce exposure risks, especially for children and pregnant women.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.