Lead poisoning is a serious problem in the City of St. Louis. Consequently, a wide range of programs and other resources have been developed to help citizens identify lead hazards and eliminate them before they become major health risks. These programs and resources are summarized below.

>>Download Lead Safe St. Louis: A Comprehensive Action Plan for the Eradication of Childhood Lead Poisoning in St. Louis By 2010 commissioned by Mayor Slay
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Health Department - Lead Poisoning Prevention Program - Phone: (314) 612-5460

The Health Department offers blood tests for children through daycare centers and health clinics in the City of St. Louis. If the tests show that the child has a high level of lead in his/her body, the Health Department will conduct an inspection of the home to test for lead hazards.

The Health Department defines a "high level of blood lead" as one that is above 20 micrograms for one test, or above 15 micrograms for two tests taken three months apart.

Q: What happens if they find that my home is contaminated with lead?

A: If lead contamination is found, your landlord or the building's owner will be required to correct the problem.

Q: Do I have to pay for them to get the lead out of my home?

A: Not always. If the property owners can show proof that they don't have the money and that they meet certain requirements they may be eligible to have the Health Department correct the problem at no cost to them.

Also, the city of St. Louis has begun a program of forgivable loans using $1 million in federal money that will pay for lead removal in homes. The Mayor has proposed a new law that would raise an extra $500,000 annually for loans.

Q: Is there anyone else that I can contact with the city? What will they do?

City Building Division ­ Home Inspection Program ­ Phone: (314) 622-4671 The City's Building Division can do a visual inspection of your home for evidence of lead contamination. If inspectors find evidence of lead contamination they will turn it over to the Health Department for a more thorough inspection.

HUD Lead Paint Grant - Community Development Administration (CDA)
Phone: (314) 622-3400

The CDA administers a $2.9 million grant to be used for repairs in homes where there are children under the age of six. If an initial inspection reveals lead problems, the Health Department is notified and a more detailed inspection is conducted. If your home is selected to take part in this program the property owner then requests bids from licensed contractors. Working with CDA staff, the owner then selects a contractor to do the work.

For more information about City of St. Louis lead programs, contact Anath Boone at Lead Safe St. Louis, (314) 622-3400 ext. 376.

For more information on health problems associated with lead click on: http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/health

For more information on site testing for lead contamination click on: http://stlouis.missouri.org/government/building.html