National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Washington County Health Department is recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 25-31, 2020. Lead is toxic. When lead is absorbed into the body of a young child, it can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems, slow growth and development, and hearing and speech problems. Those under the age of six are most at risk. The key to preventing lead poisoning in children is to keep them from coming into contact with lead.
In Washington County, lead exposure often comes from the environment. Lead is naturally present in the soil and rock. It has also been spread through the large amount of mining activity that occurred in the County. Lead is sometimes found in soil, driveways, and private well water.
Lead-based paint is also present in many homes built before 1978. Children can be exposed by swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by old paint that has cracked and chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on surfaces that are coated with lead-based paint, such as window sills. Some older plumbing fixtures contain lead. Adults may also unknowingly bring lead dust into their homes from their jobs or hobbies.

A simple blood test can detect lead. You may contact Washington County Health Department at 573-438-2164 to schedule an appointment to have your child’s blood lead level checked. If your soil and well water have not already been tested for lead contamination, you may call 573-436-3770 to request testing by the Environmental Protection Agency. There is no cost to the property owner.

Sharon Odom, who is the Program Manager for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, will be in the Irondale area on Friday, October 30th. As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, she is looking forward to conducting door-to-door outreach and passing out red bags with lead information on that day.