In assessing lead risks, who is more susceptible to lead exposure?

Children are more susceptible to lead exposure due to several physiological and developmental factors. Their bodies are still growing, and their nervous systems are highly sensitive to environmental toxins like lead. Young children, particularly those under six years old, engage in behaviors such as hand-to-mouth activities that increase the likelihood of ingesting lead dust or lead-contaminated objects.

Lead exposure in children can lead to severe health impacts, including developmental delays, cognitive deficits, and behavioral issues. This vulnerability arises because their brains and bodies are still in crucial stages of development, making them more likely to absorb lead compared to adults or the elderly, whose bodies may have developed certain barriers and defenses over time.

While pregnant women also face significant risks related to lead exposure due to potential effects on fetal development, children remain at the highest immediate risk for negative health outcomes from lead. Understanding this susceptibility is essential for effective risk assessment and intervention strategies in lead safety and public health initiatives.