Lead, a chemical element, is a potent neurotoxin that can damage children’s brains. Even small amount of lead in the body can cause serious health problems, and at high levels, it can be fatal. Childhood lead exposure is especially fatal because of their brain development at the time. When exposed to lead at young age, it is linked to mental and behavioral health. Older children are also affected by exposure to lead. It can increase risk of kidney damage and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Continued exposure to lead contaminated water at home can cause accumulated lead level. Though U.S. has been working to reduce lead contamination in water, its progress is uneven. Some areas such as Flint, Michigan is a recent example.
