Who suffers most from lead exposure?

Before we start each section, we’ll ask you a question to help you see how much you you've learned.

Who is most vulnerable to lead exposure?

Which groups are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure?

A. Everyone is affected by lead in the same way.

B. Adults are immune to lead poisoning.

C. Infants, young children (especially under 5), pregnant women, and underserved children are most vulnerable.

D. Only people working in factories are affected by lead.

Lead affects children more than adults.

Infants and young children absorb about four to five times more lead than adults.

Even unborn babies are at risk, as lead can pass from mother to child during pregnancy.

Children’s brains develop more quickly when they are babies and toddlers. Exposure to lead can significantly damage this process.

Children who have less access to basic health and sanitary services are often more severely affected because their families may live near hazardous recycling sites, industrial activities, or in homes with lead in paint or pipes.

The risk of ingesting lead-contaminated soils and dust is also higher, due to the way children play outdoors and because they are closer to the ground, especially when they are learning to walk and crawl.

This is why we need to take action to protect them.