Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant impact of lead exposure on blood lead levels, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly half of children exceed the safe action level of 50μg/L [1][2]. Group 1: Lead Exposure and Health Risks - Scientific evidence indicates that even low levels of blood lead can increase risks of cognitive developmental disorders, attention deficits, ADHD, premature birth, and hypertension [1]. - Lead poisoning is estimated to cause 5.5 million premature deaths annually and results in a global IQ score decline of 765 million points [1]. Group 2: Research Findings - A review of 39 studies published since 2000 shows that living in industrial lead pollution hotspots, occupational exposure, and environmental factors significantly affect blood lead levels [1][2]. - The review emphasizes that epidemiological data on lead exposure is still incomplete, leading to an underestimation of health impacts from certain lead sources [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Future Research and Management - Future research should investigate pathways of industrial pollution exposure, contamination of food and spices, and the impact of lead-contaminated metal cookware on blood lead levels [2]. - Comprehensive lead risk management is necessary, including legislative restrictions on lead content, market monitoring, and community interventions [2]. - Different strategies should be employed for various lead sources, such as regulating lead paint quickly while addressing electronic waste and lead-acid battery pollution with significant investment and management [2]. Group 4: Children's Vulnerability to Lead - Children aged 3 to 6 have a lead absorption rate of 30% to 50%, making them particularly susceptible to lead poisoning from minimal exposure [3]. - The average blood lead level in children in China has decreased to approximately 20μg/L in recent years [2]. - Even with treatment, the neurotoxic effects of lead can result in lasting cognitive deficits, with studies showing that elevated blood lead levels can lower children's IQ by 7 to 20 points [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly its long-term effects on both children and adults, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention strategies to mitigate these risks [1][2][4]. Group 1: Health Risks of Lead Exposure - Lead exposure can cause permanent and ongoing health issues, particularly affecting the nervous system and cognitive function in children, leading to a decrease in IQ [1]. - Approximately 94% of lead accumulates in bones and teeth, while only a small fraction remains in the bloodstream, making it difficult to detect and treat lead poisoning effectively [2]. - Long-term exposure to lead is a significant health risk for adults, contributing to various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, cognitive impairment, and reproductive issues [2][3]. Group 2: Economic Impact of Lead Exposure - A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that in 2019, around 5.455 million adults died from cardiovascular diseases linked to lead exposure, a figure significantly higher than previous estimates [2][3]. - The total economic loss due to cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease deaths attributed to lead exposure in 2019 was estimated at $6 trillion, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the heaviest burden [3]. Group 3: Lead Metabolism and Treatment - Lead has a long half-life in the body, with a half-life of approximately 20-30 years in bones, making its elimination a prolonged process [3]. - Treatment for lead poisoning includes chelation therapy, nutritional support, and blood purification, but the removal of lead from other tissues is slow and complex [3]. Group 4: Progress in Lead Control - China has seen a significant reduction in blood lead levels due to effective government policies, with blood lead levels in children aged 3-5 dropping by 78.4% from 2000 to 2018 [4]. - Despite the progress, there is still a lack of large-scale monitoring of blood lead levels in the general population, indicating a need for ongoing attention from health authorities [4].