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!