Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Jeff Wenzel.
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Transcript of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Jeff Wenzel.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services
Jeff Wenzel
Lead PoisoningLead 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 PoisoningSeveral 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, surface water and groundwater, Plants and fish
Lead ExposureMust 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 EffectsAffects 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 ExposureWhy 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.
TestingOften no outward signs or symptomsThe 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
PreventionSoil
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.)
PreventionDust
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
PreventionNutrition
Eat foods high in calcium and iron and low in fat.
PreventionFish 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.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 WildwoodJefferson City MO 65102
(573) 751-6102 or toll free (866) 628-9891
Jeff Wenzel