If that sounds high, it is. The national average is 3 to 5 percent. Lead paint is found in many older homes, and St. Louis has one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in children in the nation. That is why the School of Public Health is initiating a massive educational intervention study that will enroll 200 new mothers. St. Louis is one of only two cities in the United States to participate in this study.
Lead paint can chip and flake, eventually ending up as tiny dust particles.
Children crawling on the floor can get dust on their hands just by playing. It takes only a very small amount of lead to elevate the child's lead levels. Lead poisoning primarily affects the cognitive ability of a child. It leads to a number of problems and disorders, including lower IQ scores, behavioral problems at home and school, learning difficulties, stunted growth and hearing impairments. Recent studies suggest it also may contribute to violent behavior.