LEAD

Lead mining played a crucial role in the history of Newton County, Missouri, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The area became part of the Tri-State Mining District, known for its rich deposits of lead and zinc. Mining began in earnest around the 1850s, with the discovery of large lead deposits near Granby, which sparked a rush of mining activity. This contributed significantly to the local economy and the growth of towns in the region. However, the legacy of mining also left behind environmental challenges, including soil and water contamination from lead and other metals.

What is so concerning about Lead?

Lead is harmful because it is a toxic metal that can cause serious damage to the body, especially the brain and nervous system. In children, even low levels of lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Lead also affects organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart, and can cause anemia and reproductive issues. Because lead accumulates in the body over time, prolonged exposure can result in long-term health problems. Its toxicity makes it especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Common sources of Lead

Homes built before 1978

Prior to 1978, lead was used in paints to add color and because it increased the durability of the paint. Lead based paints for use in and around a home were banned in 1978. Lead based paint can chip, flake, turn to dust and leach into the soils surrounding the home.

Mining

Waste from mining was used for driveways, fill material and even play grounds. Increased lead contamination has been found in the dust, air, and soil around mining areas. Mining occurred in 60 of 115 Missouri counties. Granby is the oldest mining town in the southwest.

Miscellaneous sources

Imported items, such as candies, cosmetics, and other goods, may contain elevated levels of lead. Additionally, older dishes may contain lead-based materials, which can leach into food or liquids. Homes built before 1970 may still have lead plumbing, posing a potential risk of contamination.

Old toys, furniture and jewelry

Toys and furniture painted prior to 1978 may contain Lead based paint. The old metal toys, painted chest of drawers or imported kids jewelry and toys may all contain lead.

Information regarding recalls related to Lead can be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Jobs

Lead can be inadvertently brought into the home through the contamination of clothing, hands, shoes, and other personal items. Occupations such as battery recycling, manufacturing, auto repair, and the production or handling of fishing weights are all associated with potential lead exposure.

Hobbies

Hobbies can also be a source of lead contamination. Pottery or other ceramics using glazes with lead, Stained glass making using solder, reloading ammunition, etc

How can you reduce possible lead exposure to children?

Keep children and their furniture away from peeling or chipping paint.
Routinely wash children's hand, teething toys, pacifiers, toys to remove any dust.
Avoid playing in bare dirt, as it could be contaminated with lead dust. Play on the grass instead.
Wet mop floors, window seals and ledges, as household dust is a significant source of lead exposure, especially in older homes. Wet clean at least once every two to three weeks.
Remove your shoes before entering your home. Shoe can carry lead dust and spread it throughout the home.
Indoor/outdoor pets can carry lead dust into the home.
Wash clothes that may contain lead dust separately from children clothes.

Lead Testing Recommendations

All children in Missouri under 72 months of age should be screened for lead risk factors using the Lead Risk assessment guide found here.
Annually, all parents of children under the age of 4 must receive lead education, and every child in this age group should be offered a blood lead test.
Medicaid requires children receiving benefits to be tested for lead at 12 and 24 months of age.
It is recommended to test all the siblings of a child who has an elevated blood lead level.
Pregnant women who are at risk for lead poisoning should be offered a blood lead test. Additionally, newborns of women with suspected or elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy should undergo testing.

Resources

Blood Lead testing

All children receiving Medicaid benefits must have lead testing at 12 and 24 months of age. All children under 72 months of age should be screened for lead risk factors using the Healthy Child & Youth Lead Risk Assessment Guild.

Ask your medical provider about Lead testing!

Mo Childhood Lead Prevention

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program's (CLPPP) mission is to assure the children of Missouri a safe and healthy environment through primary prevention and the identification of lead exposures that may cause illness or death.

EPA Region 7

Region 7 serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine tribal Nations. EPA Region 7 Priorities are protecting children from exposure to lead (Pb); working with the agriculture community; tackling the climate crisis; and revitalizing land for communities (Superfund, Brownfields and more).