True or False: Younger women and children absorb 50% more lead than adults.

The statement is true because younger women and children have a higher absorption rate of lead compared to adults. This elevated absorption occurs due to several physiological factors. For children, their developing bodies and rapidly growing tissues are more susceptible to lead uptake, as their gastrointestinal tract is more efficient at absorbing lead. This higher absorption rate contributes to the increased risk of lead poisoning, which can have severe effects on their health, including developmental delays, lower IQ, and behavioral issues.

In women of reproductive age, the effects of lead exposure are also significant, as lead can be transferred to the fetus during pregnancy and through breastfeeding, affecting the child even before birth. Therefore, the understanding that younger women and children absorb a greater proportion of lead emphasizes the importance of monitoring and reducing lead exposure in these vulnerable populations.