lead levels

Efforts to open silica mines in southeast Missouri are bringing back memories of toxic lead mining that scarred the region centuries ago. Plus, a Midwest "rite of passage" that was predominantly done by teenagers has changed as seed companies shift jobs to migrant workers.

A company called Nexgen Silica hopes to build a mine in St. Genevieve County. Residents who live with the toxic legacy of lead mining worry history could be repeating itself.

Over the last six months, NPR’s Midwest Newsroom and The Missouri Independent have worked to figure out why children in our region have high levels of lead their blood. A event on Aug. 30 offers members of the public to ask questions and share their concerns.

The Democratic lawmaker visited the Olathe home of Jerry Land, whose lead service line was recently replaced by the city.

Lead left behind in soil from mining and smelting poses a major health risk to people who live nearby. Researchers in Nebraska and Kansas believe plant life and organic material can limit lead’s spread.

Debido a la exposición de artículos que contienen plomo, ya sean comprados en una tienda local nueva de descuento o de segunda mano los niños son especialmente vulnerables a la intoxicación.

Abortion has emerged as a big topic on the campaign trail for the seven Republican candidates vying for Missouri's 4th district congressional seat, which is being vacated by Rep. Vicky Hartzler. Plus, antique toys could put children at risk of lead poisoning.

Buyers beware. Lead can be found in household items, from antique salt shakers to brand-new products sitting on store shelves.

Children are especially vulnerable to poisoning because of exposure to items containing lead, whether purchased second-hand or new from a local discount store.

Salvo en caso de crisis, nunca se ha exigido a las compañías de agua que hagan un inventario exhaustivo de las tuberías con plomo. Los expertos en salud advierten que los problemas con estas "bombillas venenosas subterráneas" pueden surgir de la nada.

Efforts to eliminate lead in school drinking water got a huge boost on Friday, as Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed off on legislation requiring testing and also gave his approval to $27 million in federal funds to help schools install filters.

The Biden administration plans to spend $250 million dollars in Missouri and $164 million dollars in Kansas to remove lead pipes — if they can find them. Plus, what Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has to say about gun laws after a threat of a mass shooting closed 10 local school districts.