• Annual lead testing for children ages 6 - 72 months living in St. Louis City, Herculaneum, and Viburmum
• Lead testing at age 12 and 24 months for all Medicaid kids in low risk areas (St. Louis County, Franklin, Jefferson, etc.)
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Know The Facts...

• Lead poisoning is a common danger for young children, pregnant women, and unborn babies.
• Lead was once commonly used in paint, gasoline, and water pipes.
• Poisoned children either live in, or frequent homes built before 1978 painted with lead based paint .
• Newer homes near old lead mines, may be exposed to lead in soil outside the home.
• Children do not need to eat paint chips to become lead poisoned.
• Paint deteriorates and becomes part of the household dust as homes age 
• Dust is transferred to children when they put unwashed hands or toys in their mouths
• Children are more likely to have elevated lead levels because they have more hand to mouth activity and their bodies absorb more lead
• A lead paint chip the size of three grains of sugar can poison a small child when paint chips are swallowed or paint dust is inhaled.
• Lead cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled.
• Symptoms of lead poisoning can include headaches or stomach pain, but because symptoms are so vague, it is important to have children tested on a regular basis.

Reduce The Risk...

• Do not dry sand or burn off paint from prior to 1978 during home repairs
  • Your County Office may have more information on how to minimize your child's lead exposure before remodeling or repairs
• Wash your child's hands frequently when visiting homes with suspected lead paint
• Wash toys that fall on the floor or are used outside frequently
• Children need to eat three meals per day - their stomachs absorb more lead when they are empty
• Feed your child foods high in iron, calcium, copper, zinc and vitamin C to offset their toxicity level
• Have your home tested for lead
  • Call your County Office to see if the Department of Health offers home environmental inspections
• Ask your doctor to include a lead screen in their well-child examinations between the ages of 6 to 72 months old
  • NOTE: Always ask for a lead screen on your child if they are between 6 months and 6 years of age even if one is not offered.  A blood lead test should be done at age 12 months and 24 months.

For additional information on lead, you may call the Mercy Health Plans Member Services Department at 1-800-327-0763.