Q. With reference to Lead Poisoning, consider the following statements:
1.Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning.
2.Even the smallest level of exposure to lead has harmful effects.
3.Human exposure to lead is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in bone.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Recently, high levels of lead were found in the blood of thousands of children living around the Kabwe mine in Zambia.
Statement 1 is correct: Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. It can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Statement 2 is correct: Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust.
Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time.
Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing foetus.
There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
Source: DTE
