Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if exposure is extremely high
• D. Only in adults

Answer: (A)

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause lasting damage to the brain and nervous system. In children, whose brains are still developing, even low levels of exposure can lead to irreversible deficits in thinking, attention, and behavior, and these effects can persist after the exposure ends. Adults can experience nerve issues and other health problems, but the developing nervous system is more vulnerable, so permanent harm is possible even at lower exposures. There is no safe threshold for exposure, so the statement is true. The other options don’t fit because harm is not limited to extremely high exposures and is not restricted to adults.

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause lasting damage to the brain and nervous system. In children, whose brains are still developing, even low levels of exposure can lead to irreversible deficits in thinking, attention, and behavior, and these effects can persist after the exposure ends. Adults can experience nerve issues and other health problems, but the developing nervous system is more vulnerable, so permanent harm is possible even at lower exposures. There is no safe threshold for exposure, so the statement is true. The other options don’t fit because harm is not limited to extremely high exposures and is not restricted to adults.