It is also a major potential public health risk. Lead poisoning is the leading environmentally induced illness in children. At greatest risk are children under the age of six because they are undergoing rapid neurological and physical development. Recognition Lead is commonly added to industrial paints because of its characteristic to resist corrosion. Oral ingestion may represent a major route of exposure in contaminated workplaces.
Most exposures occur with inorganic lead.
Organic forms may be absorbed through the skin, while inorganic forms cannot. Inorganic lead is not metabolized, but is directly absorbed, distributed and excreted. Absorption via the GI track following ingestion is highly dependent upon presence of levels of calcium, iron, fats and proteins. A Report to Congress . Lead in Construction .