How much lead do pregnant women and children absorb in comparison to adults?

Pregnant women and children absorb lead at a significantly higher rate compared to adults, with estimates indicating that they can absorb around 50% of the lead they are exposed to. This increased absorption is particularly concerning because lead exposure can have severe health implications for both the developing fetus and young children, as their bodies are still growing and developing critical systems.

For pregnant women, the additional absorption can affect fetal development and lead to complications, while in children, it can impair cognitive development and lead to other health issues. This heightened vulnerability is a crucial factor in public health considerations and lead exposure regulations.

The other options reflect lower absorption rates that do not accurately capture the significant risk faced by these populations when compared to adults. Understanding these differences is essential for implementing effective health interventions and protective measures for pregnant women and young children.