CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

How can lead in soil poison children?

1. Through direct skin contact

2. By ingestion of soil

3. By inhalation of lead dust

4. Through contaminated water supply

The correct answer is: By ingestion of soil

Lead in soil is particularly harmful to children primarily because they are more likely to ingest soil through a variety of behaviors, such as playing outdoors, putting their hands or objects in their mouths, and exploring their environment. When children come into contact with lead-contaminated soil, they can inadvertently ingest small amounts of soil that contain lead particles. This ingestion can lead to significant lead exposure, which is particularly dangerous in young children as it can cause serious health issues, including developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and various physical health problems. While it’s true that lead can also affect children through other routes, such as inhalation of dust, contaminated water, or direct skin contact, the most common and concerning route in the context of soil contamination is ingestion. This emphasizes the need for effective testing and remediation of lead in residential and recreational soil areas, especially in urban environments or locations with a history of lead contamination.