What health effects can lead exposure cause primarily in children?

Lead exposure in children is particularly concerning because it can lead to significant developmental disorders. When young children are exposed to lead, it can interfere with the normal development of their brains and nervous systems. This interference can manifest in various ways, including reduced IQ, attention problems, and difficulties with learning and behavior. Children are at greater risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb lead more readily than adults, and their developing brains are more susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of lead.

While respiratory issues, fatigue, and skin rashes may occur in adults or under certain circumstances related to lead exposure, they are not the primary health effects observed in children. Therefore, the focus on developmental disorders underlines the critical need for preventing lead exposure in young populations to protect their long-term health and cognitive function.