Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

Which statement about lead exposure is true?

1. Lead stays in the bloodstream for approximately 30 days

2. Lead is easily eliminated from the body

3. Lead does not affect soft organs

4. Lead can be entirely removed in 1 week

The correct answer is: Lead stays in the bloodstream for approximately 30 days

The statement that lead stays in the bloodstream for approximately 30 days is accurate based on scientific understanding of lead exposure and its effects on the human body. When a person is exposed to lead, it initially enters the bloodstream and can remain there for a limited time, typically around 30 days, before it begins to be distributed to other tissues and organs. Lead is not easily eliminated from the body, as it tends to accumulate in bones and soft tissues over time. Because of its long half-life in the body, lead can cause chronic exposure issues rather than being quickly cleared. Additionally, lead can have detrimental effects on various organs, including the kidneys and brain, contradicting the idea that it does not affect soft organs. Finally, the assertion that lead can be entirely removed from the body within a week is incorrect, as detoxification processes are gradual and dependent on various factors such as the extent of exposure and individual biological responses.