In addition to entering the body through ingestion, how else can a child be exposed to lead?

The significance of inhalation of dust as a means for lead exposure in children lies in the common environments where lead is present, such as older homes with lead-based paint or contaminated soil. When lead-containing dust settles, it can be disturbed through various activities, such as playing indoors or outdoors. Children, who often engage in close-to-the-ground activities and may have a tendency to put their hands or toys in their mouths, are particularly at risk of inhaling these particles.

This route of exposure is critical, particularly in urban settings or areas near industries that have historically used lead. Unlike ingestion, which requires direct contact or consumption of lead-contaminated materials, inhalation can occur more passively, making it a silent and insidious risk factor for lead poisoning.

Other routes of exposure, such as skin absorption, are less significant for lead compared to inhalation. Skin does not readily absorb lead, and while there can be some degree of transfer through contact with contaminated surfaces, it is not considered a primary method of lead entry into the body. Direct contact with pets or drinking tap water can also pose exposure risks, but these are not as prominent as the risk from inhaling lead dust, which can easily enter the respiratory system and lead to systemic absorption.