Final answer:
Lead is the primary cause of accidental poisoning in small children, leading to severe health effects and developmental issues. The CDC reports many children have higher than recommended blood lead levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause of accidental poisoning in small children is lead. This metal can be toxic when ingested, and young children are particularly at risk because they frequently put objects, including those coated with or made from lead, in their mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that approximately half a million children in the U.S. between the ages of one and five have blood lead levels above the recommended limit. The prevention and reduction of lead exposure is crucial as it can lead to serious health effects such as developmental delays, lower IQ, and, in cases of very high exposure, seizures and even death.