Among children, one of the main contributing causes of personal injury is lead poisoning. The entrance of lead into the body can disrupt essential organs such as the heart and kidneys from performing their proper functions. In addition to disruption of these organs, lead poisoning can also cause interference of the processes of the reproductive and nervous systems

Lead poisoning does not only affect children, however. Among adults, lead poisoning can occur because of lead exposure in the workplace. Depending on the severity of the lead exposure, the level of poisoning can vary from acute, depicted by minor pains and feelings of weakness, to chronic, causing damage and disruption of the body's systems. Although adults are also vulnerable to this lead exposure, children still at a much higher risk. This is because the nervous systems of children are still developing, especially in those under the age of 6, and exposure to lead can result in permanent cognitive and behavioral damage.

Although paint is the most commonly known cause of lead poisoning, exposure can also occur from alternate sources such as dust, soil, and batteries. Lead poisoning can even occur from factors essential to everyday life, such as air and water. Besides laws that have been created over the years banning the use of lead in consumer products, water and soil, other steps must be taken to prevent lead poisoning in children.

In order to prevent lead poisoning from occurring, there are different precautions parents can take when looking after their children. It is essential to make sure children are not exposed to contaminates containing high levels of lead, such as paint. This is especially important in older buildings where paint may be old and therefore more susceptible to chipping and dust. Having children constantly wash their hands is another beneficial way to prevent lead poisoning. A final precaution in preventing lead poisoning is to wash the toys that children most often play with.