What to know
In Missouri, there was a concern of potential exposure to children at a Head Start site located within a Superfund Site.
Missouri Screening Children for Lead Exposure
The directors of a Head Start program in Missouri requested that all enrolled children receive a capillary lead test. They made this request as the program is located within the Newton County Mines Superfund Site.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the County Health Department performed finger sticks for children with parental approval. These tests were used to determine the amount of lead in blood (referred to as blood lead level). This is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently uses a blood lead reference value of 5 micrograms per deciliter. This identifies children with blood lead levels that are higher than most children's levels. Test results on 26 children enrolled showed 25 results below five (5.0) micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl). One child, who tested at 5.0 ug/dl, was referred for further testing.
Several organizations gathered to hold a meeting on next steps. This included DHHS, ATSDR, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the County Health Department. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Head Start directors and the Administration for Children and Families also joined. Afterward, EPA conducted soil sampling and dust wipe sampling, and the State Public Health Laboratory analyzed the samples. The dust wipe results all came back below the established standard of 40 micrograms per square foot (ug/ft2). This is the EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development standard. Three of the soil samples showed elevated lead in the soil. Soil from below the sand in the sand box area and below the jungle gym area tested high for lead.
Soil remediation of the Head Start site is anticipated in 2020.