Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Jeff Wenzel

Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning is a preventable health problem. Various sources:  Paint, toys, jewelry, food, candies, water pipes, lead sinkers, bullets, batteries, food, ceramics, stained glass, ect.  Consumer product recalls can be found at:

Lead Poisoning Several areas in Missouri south of the Missouri River have been found to have lead contamination in the environment. Mine waste can contaminate:  Soil and sediment,  surface water and groundwater,  Plants and fish

Lead Exposure Must be exposed to the lead for it to pose a health risk  Inhalation (breathing)  Ingestion (swallowing) Lead has no known use in the human body and can cause harmful health effects, especially in children less than 6 years old.

Health Effects Affects the central nervous system  Young children –Learning and behavioral problems –Short attention span –Hyperactivity –Lower IQ –Nerve-muscle problems  Adults –Difficulties during pregnancy –Fertility problems –Increased blood pressure –Hearing loss –Nerve-muscle problems However, often lead poisoning has no symptoms

Lead Exposure Why children less than 6 years old?  Children tend to have frequent hand-to-mouth contact and put non-food items into their mouths.  For their body size, children breath in more air and drink more water than adults.  Also, compared to adults, a larger portion of the lead taken into the body will be absorbed in children.  About 99% of the amount of lead taken into the body of an adult will leave as waste within a few weeks, only about 32% of lead taken into the body of a child will leave as waste.

Testing Often no outward signs or symptoms The only way to know if you or your children are exposed is to be tested  Annual blood lead testing recommended until the age of 6.  Testing of pregnant and lactating women.

Prevention Tips to reduce your family’s exposure to lead  Soil  Dust  Nutrition  Fishing

Prevention Soil  Have your soil tested  Stay away from areas that have high lead concentrations  Wash hands frequently, especially before putting hands near your face (eating, drinking, smoking, etc.)

Prevention Dust  Dust from soil can be tracked into the home  Remove shoes before entering the house  Lead-based paint can create lead-dust as well  Especially when sanding and opening and shutting windows and doors  Wet-clean often to reduce lead-dust  Floors  Windows  Chewable surfaces

Prevention Nutrition  Eat foods high in calcium and iron and low in fat.

Prevention Fish Consumption Advisories  Fish are a great source of nutrients.  Some specific species of fish in the Big River and Flat River have been found to have high levels of lead in the tissue.  Sunfish, suckers, and carp  Bass species have not been found to have high lead levels.  Eat filleted fish. Lead accumulates in bones, so preparing fish with bone left in may increase lead intake.  Avoid fishing weights that are made out of lead.  Use weights made of alternative materials, especially for kids.  Tungsten, bismuth, steel, tin, and other.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 930 Wildwood Jefferson City MO (573) or toll free (866) Jeff Wenzel