Lead Poisoning/Healthy Homes
Did you know...
- The decline of the Roman Empire was due to lead poisoning.
- Lead can cause developmental toxicity in an unborn child.
- Lead can cause cancer.
- Missouri has traditionally been the world's largest producer of lead
ore.
- The St. Louis metropolitan area has a history of childhood lead poisoning.
- Children near smelting and mining communities have elevated blood lead
levels.
- EPA estimates that 20% or more of a person's total exposure to lead could
come from drinking water.
- Improper disposal of a lead acid battery is a Class C misdemeanor in
Missouri.
- Lead poisoning is a Class II and Class IV reportable disease in Missouri.
- Managed Care Providers are revising traditional care procedures for lead
poisoning case management.
Consumer beware - of products
advertised to remove lead from the body for $19.95.
- HUD now requires Disclosure of known lead-based paint and/or hazards
in housing: this affects every federally funded real estate transaction
in the country.
- Even new homes (as well as older ones built before 1978) can contain
lead, in products such as miniblinds.
- Old playground equipment covered with lead based paint is a source of
contamination in playgrounds.
- Lead screening needs improvement:
- In 1970, less than 1% of Missouri's eligible child population (age
7 and below) was screened for lead poisoning.
- In 1994, approximately 10% of eligible children were screened.
- Local and State health departments have lead poisoning prevention programs.
- Lead in ambient (outdoor) air is monitored under the Federal Clean Air
Act.
- EPA has developed requirements for workers in the testing and abatement
industry for licensing and certification.
- Educational programs (puppet shows) have been developed locally to teach
pre-schoolers and toddlers how to identify and avoid lead sources in their
environment.
Despite our best efforts,
children continue to be poisoned unnecessarily.
Our most effective weapon against lead
poisoning is our knowledge.
Let's work together to get the lead out!
Return to DOH Home Page
|
