To Be Published November 1995 in AWWA Mainstream Health studies document the harmful effects that exposure to high levels of environmental lead has on adults and children.
Ingested lead can accumulate in the body causing toxic effects.
Young children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. People can be exposed to lead from several sources, including food, dust, soil, and lead paint, as well as drinking water. Consumption of lead paint chips is considered to be the major source of lead exposure for young children living in older, urban homes. Lead can affect children and adults of all social and economic classes. Researchers note that exposure to lead is especially a problem for those children who are minority, urban, and from low-income families.