Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable environmental health problems today. An estimated one million children have elevated blood lead levels of at least 10 micrograms per deciliter (10 µg/dl) in the U.S. According to 2003 Missouri blood lead testing data, three thousand children under the age of six, were identified with elevated blood lead levels in the state.

Lead mining and smelting is an important part of Missouri's history. Lead in Missouri was first discovered along the Meramac River by French explorers in the 1700s, while searching for gold and silver. Missouri became the dominant lead-producing state in the nation in 1907. It has remained number one ever since.

Lead is a shiny silver colored metal found naturally in the earth's crust. Lead has been used in our society in a variety of ways including in paints, gasoline, and some vinyl products, such as mini-blinds. Processed or recycled lead can become a health hazard. Fine particles of processed or recycled lead and/or lead dust become a health hazard when they are taken into the body through inhalation (breathing) and/or ingestion (swallowing).

To have your child tested, contact your doctor or county health department.

Other Department of Health and Senior Services websites of interest may include:

Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES)
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ABLES/

Lead Licensing
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lead/