Final answer:
Lead exposure has severe effects on everyone, especially on the developmental stages of children, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and physical health issues. Adults can suffer from memory issues, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems. Hence, testing for lead and taking preventative measures is crucial for at-risk populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lead exposure can have significant negative health effects on people when they spend too much time around lead, especially in certain occupations or hobbies. Adults can experience symptoms like memory and concentration problems, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain, and for men, reproductive issues like a lowered sperm count. For pregnant women, lead exposure poses risks for both the mother and the fetus; lead can cross the placenta and also affect fetal development. There is an increased risk of lead transmitting through breast milk potentially impacting nursing infants.
Children and infants are particularly vulnerable to lead's toxic effects. Developmental delays, lower IQ, hyperactivity, and behavior and learning problems are some of the serious consequences. Lead poisoning is more severe in children due to their ongoing developmental processes and higher absorption rates of lead. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals at risk of exposure, especially those planning to have children, to get their lead levels tested and take proper precautions to minimize exposure.