Lead is a heavy metal that is a neurotoxin, which means that it can harm the brain. It also harms bones and internal organs. Children with lead poisoning can experience delayed development and behavioral problems. Lead poisoning usually occurs through ingestion, which means that the lead is unintentionally swallowed.
Children ages six and under are the most at risk.
They often play close to the floor and put things in their mouths. These natural behaviors make them more likely to be exposed if there are lead hazards around them. If lead is ingested, a young child's body tends to absorb lead into the blood more readily than an adult's body. Children who have diets that are low in iron and calcium tend to absorb more lead, so good nutrition is one vital element of lead poisoning prevention. Older homes, built before 1978, with peeling paint, pose the most risk for young children.