Which of the following statements is true about the effects of lead exposure in childhood?
A) A stressed, disorganized home life seems to heighten lead-induced damage.
B) Investigators agree that the greatest period of vulnerability is middle childhood.
C) Children given drugs to induce excretion of lead (chelation) improve dramatically.
D) Negative cognitive consequences are not evident when the level of lead exposure is below 10 µg/dL.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that a stressed and disorganized home life can exacerbate the negative effects of lead exposure in childhood. Children living in such environments may be more likely to ingest or inhale lead particles, and may also be less likely to receive adequate nutrition that can mitigate the effects of lead.

Note: The other statements are false. The greatest period of vulnerability to lead exposure is typically considered to be early childhood, not middle childhood. Chelation therapy can help remove lead from the body, but it is not a cure and may not result in dramatic improvements in cognitive or behavioral outcomes. Negative cognitive consequences of lead exposure have been observed at levels as low as 5 µg/dL and possibly lower.

Which of the Following Statements Is True About the Effects