A FREE blood-lead level testing program started in Boolaroo this week.
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Hunter New England Health is offering the finger-prick tests to Boolaroo, Speers Point and Argenton children and pregnant women.
The testing is in response to concerns about blood lead levels impacted by the former Pasminco smelter.
The chairman of the Lead Community Reference Group, Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, welcomed the testing.
Meanwhile, the Pasminco environmental legacy continues to unfold.
The Newcastle Herald revealed a 100-metre long toxic pile of slag had been exposed by the April storm on the foreshore at Marmong Point.
There are concerns about poisonous heavy metals being washed into the lake.
Lake Macquarie City Council said it planned to cap, contain and protect the site from future exposure.
But Mr Piper said removing the slag made better sense.
"Where it's been exposed, it would be good management practice to remove a reasonable amount of it," Mr Piper told the Newcastle Herald.
Mayor Jodie Harrison said council would seek state government funding to manage the Marmong Point site.
Pregnant women and parents of children under five will be given $20 gift vouchers to participate in the blood-lead level testing program.
■ To book a blood-lead level test, phone 4924 6477 or visit leadscreen.info.