What is a route of entry for lead poisoning in children?

• A. Ingestion - Hand to mouth
• B. Inhalation
• C. Dermal contact
• D. Injection

Answer: (A)

Lead enters a child’s body mainly through ingestion, typically via hand-to-mouth behavior that brings lead-contaminated dust, soil, or paint chips into the mouth. In young children, swallowing small amounts of lead from these sources is common because they frequently put their hands and objects in their mouths, and homes with lead-based paint or dusty environments can leave fine particles on surfaces and toys. Once swallowed, lead is readily absorbed through the gut, and children absorb a larger fraction of ingested lead than adults, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Inhalation can contribute if there is a lot of lead dust in the air, but it is not the typical route for most pediatric exposures. Dermal contact is not an efficient route of absorption for lead, so it is not a significant exposure pathway. Injection is not a realistic route in environmental lead exposure.