Final answer:
Sprinkler heads in corrosive environments may be protected with coatings like wax or lead. Lead exposure poses health risks, particularly through deteriorating lead-based paint and contaminated water, as seen in Flint, Michigan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sprinkler heads exposed to corrosive conditions are often covered with a coat of wax or lead. The presence of lead in environments such as homes, water pipes, or even jobs can lead to significant health risks. Lead exposure is a serious concern, particularly for children, as it can lead to poisoning when they swallow or breathe in lead dust. This danger is not limited to peeling and deteriorating lead-based paint but can also be found in water from old city water pipes, as illustrated by the Flint Michigan Water Crisis.
When working with lead or in environments where lead is present, it is crucial to take preventative measures like changing clothes, frequent hand washing, and maintaining a nutritious diet to minimize exposure.