What are the main sources of lead exposure among young children?

The primary sources of lead exposure among young children are soil and dust, making this choice the correct answer.

Young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because they often play on the ground and have a tendency to put their hands and objects in their mouths. Soil can become contaminated with lead from various sources, such as the deterioration of lead-based paint, industrial emissions, or leaded gasoline residues from older vehicles. Similarly, dust can accumulate in homes, especially in areas where lead paint is pealing or from renovations that disrupt painted surfaces. The ingestion of lead through contaminated dust or soil is a significant pathway for young children, leading to potential health risks, including developmental delays and cognitive impairments.

While water, air, food, and beverages can also be potential sources of lead, their contributions to lead exposure among young children are less direct compared to soil and dust, especially in areas where older infrastructure may introduce lead into these sources. Additionally, lead in paint and toys poses risks as well, particularly if the paint is deteriorated or the toys are old; however, this option is more specific compared to the broader environmental exposure of soil and dust, which are more pervasive and accessible to children during their daily activities.