2025 EPA Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam – Complete Test Prep

The primary route through which lead enters children's bodies is ingestion of lead dust. This occurs when children unknowingly consume lead particles that may have settled on their hands, toys, or surfaces. Young children have a tendency to put their hands and objects in their mouths, making them particularly vulnerable to lead exposure from contaminated dust.

Lead dust can originate from various sources, such as deteriorating lead-based paint in older homes or lead-saturated soil. Once ingested, lead can easily enter the bloodstream and pose serious health risks, including developmental delays, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairments.

While other routes of exposure, such as inhalation of lead fumes and skin contact, can contribute to lead poisoning, ingestion is the most significant pathway, especially in young children. Understanding this mode of exposure is key in implementing effective strategies to minimize risks, particularly in environments where lead is present.