What is a common misconception about lead exposure?

The belief that lead exposure only affects children stems from the well-documented fact that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead. However, this misconception overlooks the fact that lead can also pose serious health risks to adults. Adults can suffer from various health issues related to lead exposure, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. Additionally, lead exposure can have cognitive effects in adults, just as it does in children.

While it is true that children, especially those under six years old, are at a higher risk due to their developing brains and behavior, such as hand-to-mouth activity, lead exposure can have detrimental effects on people of all ages. Hence, it's important to understand that lead exposure is a health concern for everyone, not just children.