How do children primarily ingest lead?

Children primarily ingest lead through the process of ingestion, which is the most prevalent route for lead exposure in younger populations. Lead is commonly found in dust, soil, paint, and even certain household items, especially in older buildings where lead-based paints may still be present. Children often explore their environment by placing objects in their mouths or by not washing their hands thoroughly after playing in contaminated areas. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of ingesting lead particles.

Ingestion is a critical concern because lead can have severe health effects, particularly on a child's developing brain and nervous system. Unlike inhalation, which can also occur but is less significant for children during routine activities, and unlike absorption through the skin or injection, which are not typical routes of lead exposure for children, ingestion presents a direct pathway to internal contamination.

Understanding the primary route of lead ingestion in children is essential for effective prevention strategies, such as promoting handwashing, ensuring clean play environments, and checking for lead hazards in homes.