According to the NAETI Exam, lead in water contributes approximately what percentage of a child's total lead exposure?

According to the NAETI Exam, lead in water contributes approximately what percentage of a child's total lead exposure?

• A. 75 percent
• B. 20 percent
• C. 5 percent
• D. 50 percent

Answer: (B)

Lead exposure for children comes from several pathways, with the largest share usually coming from lead paint dust and soil tracked indoors. Drinking water is a recognizable route, but it typically contributes a smaller share of total exposure—about one-fifth of it. That’s because, in most homes, the lead levels in water are lower than the amounts that can come from paint dust and soil, unless there are specific conditions like old lead service lines or solder, or poor corrosion control that raise water lead levels. So, approximately 20% is a reasonable estimate for water’s contribution to a child’s total lead exposure, while the remaining exposure comes mostly from paint-related dust and soil. The other options would imply water is either the dominant source or almost negligible, which doesn’t align with typical exposure patterns.

Lead exposure for children comes from several pathways, with the largest share usually coming from lead paint dust and soil tracked indoors. Drinking water is a recognizable route, but it typically contributes a smaller share of total exposure—about one-fifth of it. That’s because, in most homes, the lead levels in water are lower than the amounts that can come from paint dust and soil, unless there are specific conditions like old lead service lines or solder, or poor corrosion control that raise water lead levels. So, approximately 20% is a reasonable estimate for water’s contribution to a child’s total lead exposure, while the remaining exposure comes mostly from paint-related dust and soil. The other options would imply water is either the dominant source or almost negligible, which doesn’t align with typical exposure patterns.