What age range is considered the highest risk for lead exposure in children?

The age range from infancy to 2 years is considered the highest risk for lead exposure in children due to several factors. During this period, children are in a critical developmental stage where they are exploring their environment through mouthing objects, which increases their likelihood of ingesting lead particles. Additionally, infants and toddlers are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead because their bodies are still developing, and lead exposure can lead to significant health issues, including cognitive impairments and developmental delays.

In this age group, children are often living in older homes that may contain lead-based paint or lead pipes, which can be sources of exposure. Public health guidelines emphasize the importance of screening for lead exposure, particularly in this vulnerable population, to mitigate the risks associated with lead poisoning.

As children grow older, particularly beyond the age of 2, the tendency to mouth objects decreases, and they may have reduced environmental exposure to lead, making this age range a lower risk compared to the infancy to 2-year category.