What is a common environmental source of lead exposure aside from paint?

Soil is indeed a common environmental source of lead exposure apart from paint. Over the years, lead from various sources—such as leaded gasoline, industrial emissions, and deteriorating lead-based paint—has contaminated soil in urban and suburban areas. Children can be exposed to lead from soil through hand-to-mouth activities, such as playing outside and then putting their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces.

This exposure is particularly concerning because lead is a toxic metal that can adversely affect various body systems, including the nervous system. Understanding that soil can serve as a reservoir for lead contamination helps in assessing risk factors associated with lead exposure and implementing appropriate control measures to protect public health.

The other choices, while they may relate to potential lead exposure, do not represent as widespread or common sources as soil does. For example, water filtration systems may reduce lead levels in water but can vary significantly in effectiveness. Indoor plants are typically not a significant source of lead exposure unless they are located in contaminated areas where soil or dust is present. Wood preservatives, while they may contain lead, are not as common in the environment as soil contamination, particularly in areas where leaded gasoline was historically used.