VINELAND--City officials are taking step to try and make Vineland safer. Lead poisoning is a serious problem that affects our most vulnerable population; our children.

"Because lead was banned from residential paint over 30 years ago, people tend to think it's not a problem anymore," said Ronald Chen, the Public Advocate for NJ. But, the reality is that lead poisoning is the most common environmental disease of young children, and in Vineland studies show that 2.2% of kids under the age of six that were tested, have blood lead levels above the national level of concern.

"That's just too high given the horrible effects lead poisoning can have on children," said Chen, "permanent neurological defects, brain damage, delayed development, etc."

It's a problem that studies show, is more prevalent in cities, due to many homes being built before 1978, when lead paint was used. In Vineland, that's 80% of housing. "Today marks the day of a more comprehensive approach when combating childhood lead poisoning," said Vineland Mayor, Robert Romano.

Today, city and state officials signed a landmark agreement to help prevent this serious issue. Under the Model Lead-Safe City agreement, Vineland will increase the number of children tested and hopefully reduce the number poisoned. "I want Vineland to be recognized as a pro-active community," said the Mayor.

The city has launched an aggressive campaign to identify problem areas. They're going door-to-door and handing out free "Wipe Out Lead" kits to residents who have children that are living in homes built before the late '70s. In the kits, they'll find educational materials and of course, test kits. So far, more than 100 have been handed out, and nearly half have already been returned. The results? At least six homes have tested positive for lead.

"I have to commend Mayor Romano and city government for taking such a pro-active look at this," said 1st District Assemblyman, Nelson Albano.

City officials say if lead is found in a home, they'll do a more thorough investigation to find the source, and then work with the homeowners to obtain funding to help clean up the problem.

Officials encourage all parents to get their children tested. You can call the national hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.