What is a primary route of exposure to lead for children?

Inhalation of airborne lead dust is a primary route of lead exposure for children because lead particles can become suspended in the air, particularly in environments where lead-based paints are deteriorating or during renovation activities. Children are often in environments where dust accumulation can occur, especially in older homes built before 1978 when lead-based paints were commonly used.

Children's behaviors, such as crawling on floors and putting their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces, further increase their risk of inhaling or ingesting lead dust. Unlike ingestion of lead-contaminated food or contact with pets, which can also be sources of exposure, the inhalation of lead dust is particularly significant because it affects respiratory health and allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream more quickly.

Additionally, while consuming tap water can introduce lead, especially in areas with lead piping, the primary lead exposure for children remains linked to the inhalation of dust in their surroundings due to the prevalence of lead in older homes and buildings.