Which group of individuals should be especially monitored for lead exposure?

The group that should be especially monitored for lead exposure consists of children and pregnant women due to their heightened vulnerability to the harmful effects of lead.

Children are particularly at risk because their developing brains and bodies can absorb lead more easily than adults, and they often engage in behaviors, like putting objects in their mouths, that increase their chances of lead exposure. Lead can lead to a range of developmental issues, including cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and other serious health problems.

Pregnant women also require careful monitoring, as lead exposure can adversely affect not only the woman’s health but also the developing fetus. High lead levels during pregnancy may lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental delays in children after birth.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned, while they can also be impacted by lead, do not face the same level of risk as children and pregnant women. Senior citizens can experience health complications from lead exposure, but their risk does not carry the same implications for development as it does for younger individuals and those who are pregnant.