In what age group are children most at risk for lead exposure?

The age group that is most at risk for lead exposure is children under the age of six. This is primarily because younger children are in a critical developmental stage, during which they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead. Their bodies and brains are still developing, making them particularly susceptible to lead's neurotoxic effects. Children in this age bracket often engage in behaviors such as crawling on the floor and putting objects, including potentially lead-contaminated items, into their mouths, which increases their risk of exposure.

Additionally, research and public health guidelines indicate that the risk for lead exposure is highest during these early years, as they are often found in environments that may contain lead, such as homes with lead-based paint or dust from lead sources. Preventive measures and screening are essential for this age group to mitigate the serious health effects associated with lead exposure.