Identify two vulnerable populations commonly targeted for lead exposure prevention and a prevention strategy for each.

• A. Children — lead-safe housing; Pregnant women — environmental assessments
• B. Pregnant women — lead-safe housing; Children — reduce exposure
• C. Children — lead-safe housing; Pregnant women — reduce exposure
• D. Children — community education; Adults — complete blood tests

Answer: (C)

Lead exposure prevention focuses on those most vulnerable: young children and pregnant women. Children are especially sensitive to lead because their brains are still developing and they frequently come into contact with lead hazards found in homes, such as chipping paint and household dust. The most direct way to prevent exposure for children is lead-safe housing—remediating lead hazards, reducing dust, and following safe renovation practices to keep the living environment free of lead sources.

For pregnant women, the goal is to reduce exposure to minimize lead transfer to the fetus and protect fetal development. This means avoiding sources of lead in the environment, limiting contact with lead-contaminated dust and soil, being mindful of products that may contain lead, and maintaining a clean, well-protected environment during pregnancy.

So, pairing children with lead-safe housing and pregnant women with reducing exposure best aligns with how prevention is typically targeted to these groups.