Why has a specific recommendation been issued for pregnant women, infants and children under 6 years of age?
The Montréal Public Health Department’s recommendation is only for pregnant women, infants and children under 6 years old. Indeed, we know that infants are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and they can be exposed notably through commercial milk preparations reconstituted with tap water (concentrated or powdered formula). Young children are also vulnerable given that they absorb lead more effectively than do adults, are at higher risk of dietary deficiencies that facilitate lead absorption, and are more sensitive to the haematological (blood) and neurological effects of lead than are adults. During pregnancy, lead that has accumulated in the bones goes back into the blood stream. The foetus is considered to be more vulnerable because during pregnancy, some of the lead that has accumulated in the mother’s body passes through the placenta and reaches her unborn child. However, the mother must have a high blood lead level herself to pose a risk to her foetus.
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