Once lead gets into the body, it is not used in any way to benefit the body. It is absorbed and distributed throughout the body. The amount the body absorbs depends on the route of exposure. People will absorb more lead if they are fasting or if their diet is lacking in iron or calcium. Unfortunately, the mucous is often swallowed, allowing these large particles to then go into the digestive system.
Smaller particles can reach deeper in the lungs and from there be absorbed into the bloodstream.
This means that when there is burning or welding on lead-painted surfaces, the lead fumes can be especially dangerous. The small particles created as a fume will reach the blood if they are inhaled. Lead that is stored in the bones can leave them and enter the blood and then the soft tissue. This can damage the organs or the blood's ability to make red blood cells. Lead stays in the body for different periods of time, depending on where it is.