Which group is at higher risk for symptoms of toxic exposure from hazardous chemicals?

Young children are at higher risk for symptoms of toxic exposure from hazardous chemicals due to several physiological and behavioral factors. Their bodies are still developing, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of chemicals. For instance, children have a higher metabolism and a larger surface area relative to their body mass compared to adults, which can result in increased absorption of toxins. Additionally, children tend to engage in activities that increase their likelihood of exposure, such as hand-to-mouth behaviors or playing on the ground where hazardous materials may be present.

In contrast, middle-aged adults, teenagers, and senior adults generally exhibit different vulnerability levels due to their biological and behavioral characteristics. Middle-aged adults may have developed some level of resilience through past exposures, while teenagers typically have more developed physiological systems than younger children. Senior adults, although potentially more vulnerable due to age-related health declines, do not face the same biological risks associated with rapid growth and development seen in children, making them less susceptible than young children to the immediate effects of hazardous exposures.