Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Jeff

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

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, q surface water and groundwater, q Plants and fish q

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.

Jeff Wenzel Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 930 Wildwood Jefferson City MO 65102 (573) 751 -6102 or toll free (866) 628 -9891