How do adults primarily acquire lead poisoning?

Adults primarily acquire lead poisoning predominantly through ingestion. This can occur when lead dust or particles are accidentally swallowed, often via hand-to-mouth activities or consuming food and beverages that have been contaminated with lead dust. In work settings, where lead is present, workers might inadvertently ingest lead if they do not practice good hygiene, such as washing hands before eating or drinking.

While inhalation can also be a pathway for lead exposure, it is less common for acquiring lead poisoning in adults. Lead fumes or dust may be inhaled during certain industrial processes, but ingestion remains the primary route of exposure. Other pathways, such as skin contact, are not significant contributors to lead poisoning, and drinking contaminated water, while a possible source of lead exposure, tends to affect populations through plumbing systems rather than the adult population directly. Therefore, ingestion is a critical factor to recognize when considering lead poisoning in adults.