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Fact Sheet
May 2008
EPA Announces Public Availability Meeting, Washington County Lead District-Furnace Creek Superfund Site, Washington County, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
EPA Region 7 is hosting a public availability meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Valley R-VI High School in Caledonia, Mo. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the local community with information about the Washington County Lead District - Furnace Creek Superfund Site. During the meeting, representatives from the EPA, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and federal, state and local health agencies will be available to answer questions from the public.
SITE BACKGROUND
Washington County is part of Missouri's lead and barite mining district, where mining occurred for several hundred years. The county has hosted over 1,000 sites associated with lead and/or barite mining. Mining activities in Washington County have contributed to elevated levels of lead in soil and ground water in this area.
Starting this month, EPA will begin collecting soil and water samples from residential properties located near mining and mine-waste disposal areas within the Furnace Creek Site. The soil and water samples will be analyzed for the presence of lead and other heavy metals.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY MEETING
You are invited to attend an EPA public availability meeting to learn more about the Washington County Lead District - Furnace Creek Site. The meeting is scheduled:
Thursday, May 29, 2008
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Valley R-VI High School
Cafeteria
1 Viking Drive
Caledonia, Mo.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Children are more sensitive to lead than adults and can develop lifelong learning disabilities and behavior problems from lead exposure. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid exposure to lead to protect their children.
Lead poisoning can cause these health effects in infants and young children:
- Slowed physical growth.
- Hearing problems.
- Nervous system damage.
- Learning difficulties.
- Behavior problems including hyperactivity.
- Decreased intelligence.
Lead exposure and its effects can be reduced by:
- Washing hands after playing outside and before meals.
- Vacuuming often and dusting with a damp cloth to help remove dust that might have lead in it.
- Eating a diet high in calcium and iron and low in fat.
BLOOD LEAD TESTING
The only way to know if your child has elevated blood lead levels is to have his or her blood tested. EPA encourages parents to have their children tested for lead exposure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Dianna Whitaker
Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
913-551-7598, Toll-free 1-800-223-0425
E-mail: whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
