House and Hand Dust As a Potential Source of Childhood Lead Exposure

Abstract

Blood lead sampling has demonstrated an almost universal low-level elevation in inner-city children. The ingestion of lead paint chips is questioned as the main source of this exposure. Dust containing lead was found on the hands of inner-city children and interior household surfaces in substantially larger amounts than in similar suburban settings. It is possible that children may ingest this lead through typically frequent mouthing activity.