Which is not one of the three primary sources of lead exposure for children?

• A. Lead in food
• B. Lead in dust
• C. Lead in soil
• D. Lead in paint

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how children most commonly encounter lead in housing environments. The biggest pathways are deteriorating lead-based paint and the dust and chips it creates, along with soil around the home that’s been contaminated with lead. These sources are especially dangerous for young children who frequently put objects and hands in their mouths, increasing the likelihood of ingesting lead from dust or soil.

Lead in food can contain lead, but in the housing and public health context this is not considered one of the primary exposure routes. Regulations have reduced lead in many foods, and the primary exposure risk for children living in homes with older paint is from paint, dust, and soil. Therefore, lead in food is not among the main sources of exposure in this setting.