Child Lead Poisoning

Child Lead Poisoning measures the screening prevalence rate or the percentage of children in the St. Louis region under 5 years old tested who have blood lead levels of 10 µg/dl or higher, the standard threshold for high blood lead levels in Missouri. In 2016, 231 children in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County under age 5 tested positive for high blood lead levels. Missouri guidelines call for all children under age 6 to be tested, but we estimate fewer than half of children were tested in 2016.

Child Lead Poisoning Indicator Scores

City of
St. Louis

51

St. Louis
County

38

St. Charles
County

—

St. Clair
County

—

Data Source: Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 2016

Data Note: 10 µg/dl or higher is the standard measurement in Missouri for elevated blood lead level. The unit µg/dl means micrograms per deciliter. Rates for this indicator are provided by the Missouri DHSS and are age-adjusted based on 2000 standard population.

What does this score mean?

A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in the outcomes between black and white populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.

For Child Lead Poisoning, a score of 100 – a score reflecting racial equity – would mean black and white children tested are equally likely to have high blood lead levels. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal; we also want to improve outcomes for all.

WHAT DOES THIS ANALYSIS MEAN?

Black children are nearly twice as likely as white children to test positive for elevated blood lead levels. Approximately 10 out of every 1,000 black children tested had high blood lead levels compared to 2 out of every 1,000 white children. Based on population estimates, more black children under age 5 were tested for lead poisoning than were their white counterparts. If rates were equitable, 48 fewer black children in the City and 21 fewer black children in the County would have tested with high blood lead levels.

    WHY DOES CHILD Lead Poisoning MATTER?

    High blood lead levels have serious health impacts on children, including learning disabilities and behavioral problems. A major source of lead exposure is lead-based paint and dust in buildings constructed prior to the 1970s, which includes the majority of housing stock in Missouri. The Childhood Lead Poisoning (CLP) Prevention Program in the City of St. Louis has noted that “race itself is not an indicator of CLP. Other factors associated with minority status, however, such as poverty, poor housing stock, insufficient access to medical care, and inadequate quality medical care, contribute to CLP.”

    WHICH CALLS TO ACTION FROM THE FERGUSON COMMISSION’s REPORT ARE LINKED WITH THIS INDICATOR?

    While the Ferguson Commission’s report does not directly reference child blood lead levels, it calls for “supporting the whole child.” Where children live affects their health, which affects their academic performance and behavior in school. The report also calls for the establishment of school-based health centers to improve childhood physical and mental health.

      Questions for Further Investigation:

      • Why is there a racial disparity in Child Lead Poisoning?
      • What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Child Lead Poisoning?
      • What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Child Lead Poisoning?

      How can I learn more about this issue?

      In the City of St. Louis, lead testing services are provided for free by the Department of Health to residents under the age of 6. The department has produced regular reports on childhood lead poisoning in St. Louis since 2002. St. Louis County Public Health operates a lead poisoning prevention program, and St. Charles County provides free educational programs on lead poisoning and poison control to schools, child care centers, and members of the community.

      Child Lead Poisoning Data

      Children tested who have blood lead levels of 10 µg/dl or higher

       AllBlackWhiteDisparity RatioEquity Score
      Children With High Blood Lead Levels
      		17511227
      Children Tested Under 5
      		11,6106,9732,912
      Child Lead Poisoning Per 1,000 Children Tested
      		15.116.19.31.727 to 151

      Data Source: Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Missouri Department of Health and Social Services, 2016

      Children tested who have blood lead levels of 10 µg/dl or higher

       AllBlackWhiteDisparity RatioEquity Score
      Children With High Blood Lead Levels
      		563510
      Children Tested Under 5
      		15,9058,0655,534
      Child Lead Poisoning Per 1,000 Children Tested
      		3.54.31.82.389 to 138

      Data Source: Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Missouri Department of Health and Social Services, 2016

      Children tested who have blood lead levels of 10 µg/dl or higher

       AllBlackWhiteDisparity RatioEquity Score
      Children With High Blood Lead Levels
      		XXX
      Children Tested Under 5
      		2,3883041,694
      Child Lead Poisoning Per 1,000 Children Tested
      		XXXXX

      Data Source: Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Missouri Department of Health and Social Services, 2016

      No Data Available

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