Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Quantifying Learning in Young Infants: Tracking Leg Actions During a Discovery-learning Task
11:18

Quantifying Learning in Young Infants: Tracking Leg Actions During a Discovery-learning Task

Published on: June 1, 2015

Acquisition and retention of lead by young children

W I Manton1, C R Angle, K L Stanek

  • 1Department of Geology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75083-0688, USA.

Environmental Research
|February 17, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Children

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood lead exposure remains a significant public health concern.
  • Identifying sources of lead exposure in young children is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the sources and pathways of lead exposure in young children residing in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • To determine the contribution of dietary intake versus hand-to-mouth transfer to overall blood lead levels.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of two groups of children (birth to 2 years, and 2 to 4 years) in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Measurement of lead concentrations and isotope ratios in blood, urine, hands, and duplicate diet samples.
  • Analysis of lead exposure during home remodeling events.

Main Results:

  • Dietary lead intake was not identified as a significant contributor to blood lead levels in children.
  • Blood lead levels were primarily influenced by lead transferred from hands to mouth, originating from household floors.
  • Lead from window sills and exterior sources contributed to floor lead.
  • Children exposed to lead during home remodeling showed varying blood lead half-lives depending on exposure duration and source (professional vs. parental remodeling).

Conclusions:

  • Hand-to-mouth transfer of lead from household surfaces, particularly floors, is a primary exposure route for young children.
  • Dietary lead is a minor contributor to blood lead levels in this population.
  • The duration and nature of lead exposure, especially during home renovations, significantly impact the body's lead elimination rate.

More Related Videos

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm06:35

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm

Published on: April 28, 2016

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses14:05

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses

Published on: January 23, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Learning01:18

Introduction to Learning

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through practice or experience, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes. This acquisition occurs through interaction with the environment and requires practice or experience. For instance, mastering a skill such as surfing requires considerable practice and experience, highlighting the essential role of repeated interactions with the environment in learning.
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
Observational Learning01:12

Observational Learning

Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because...
Language Development01:22

Language Development

Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
The Nativist Approach01:21

The Nativist Approach

The nativist approach to infant cognitive development proposes that infants are born with inherent knowledge structures that allow them to interpret the world almost immediately. This perspective contrasts with earlier developmental theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, which emphasized a more gradual acquisition of cognitive abilities through interaction with the environment. One key concept in this approach is object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist...
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.