What are the main sources and symptoms of lead poisoning?

Main sources of lead exposure that can lead to lead poisoning are: Lead paints in and around homes contribute to dust and soil contamination that is often the most significant source of exposure for children. Children then ingest lead from playing close to the ground and having frequent hand- to- mouth contact. Significant exposure may also occur from lead paint when smaller particles become airborne during sanding and scrapping while repainting and remodeling. In addition, damaged paint and the weathering of paints on the exterior of buildings also contribute to lead in soil. Contaminated soil is a particularly significant source of exposure to children. Ingestion of contaminated soil, dust and lead based paint chips and toys due to hand- to- mouth activity form important sources of lead exposure in infants and young children. In addition to paint and dust, food and water may also be significant sources of lead exposure. However, relative importance of these sources varies amongst different populations. In infants and young children as much as 50 percent of dietary lead is absorbed, although absorption rate s for lead from dusts / soils and paint chips can be lower depending upon the bioavailability (IPCS, 1995). Absorption routes and absorption itself are dependent on particle size, chemical specification, and solubility in body fluids.