Which one of the following would probably be most cost effective in the prevention of lead poisoning of children?

Covering bare soil or planting foundation shrubs is a cost-effective measure in the prevention of lead poisoning in children. This approach minimizes the exposure of children to lead-contaminated soil, which is particularly important in urban areas where older homes may have lead-based paint that could have leached into the surrounding soil. By covering the soil or establishing plantings, the lead particles are physically contained, significantly reducing the risk of ingestion or inhalation by children who play outside.

This preventative strategy can be implemented at a relatively low cost compared to more extensive remediation efforts, such as completely removing lead paint from homes or excavating soil that may contain lead. Additionally, enhancing the aesthetics of the home through landscaping can encourage families to invest in their yard while also prioritizing their children's health.

While screening high-risk children is important for identifying those who may already have lead exposure, it does not prevent lead poisoning in the first place. Removing lead paint from home exteriors and excavating soil are effective strategies but generally involve higher costs and complexities associated with construction and disposal, making them less feasible for widespread implementation. Therefore, the option of covering soil or planting shrubs stands out as an efficient and proactive approach to reducing the risk of lead exposure in a community setting.