Missouri Department of Health and Senior

Services

Jeff Wenzel

Lead PoisoningLead 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: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Recalls/allhazards.htm

Lead PoisoningSeveral 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 ExposureMust 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 EffectsAffects 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

problemsHowever, often lead poisoning has no

symptoms

Lead ExposureWhy 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.

TestingOften no outward signs or symptomsThe 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

PreventionSoil

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.)

PreventionDust

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

PreventionNutrition

Eat foods high in calcium and iron and low in fat.

PreventionFish 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 WildwoodJefferson City MO 65102

(573) 751-6102 or toll free (866) 628-9891

Jeff Wenzel