How does lead accumulate in the body?

Lead accumulates in the body primarily through ingestion and inhalation, which are the most common routes of exposure. Lead is a heavy metal that can enter the human body via several pathways, but the two main methods are through contaminated food, water, or dust (ingestion) and by breathing in lead particles or fumes (inhalation).

For example, children can be particularly vulnerable to lead exposure in homes with lead-based paint or contaminated soil. When they ingest lead by putting their hands or objects in their mouths or inhaling lead dust, it enters their bloodstream, where it can accumulate over time, leading to serious health effects.

Other options such as skin absorption, intravenous injection, or transdermal patches are not common methods for lead exposure. Lead is not effectively absorbed through the skin, and there are no typical medicinal pathways for lead to be injected or applied in the way drugs might be delivered, making ingestion and inhalation the primary concern for lead accumulation in the body.