Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

What should risk assessors prioritize when conducting inspections for lead exposure?

1. Older areas of the property

2. Areas with high moisture

3. Presence of children

4. Both A and C

The correct answer is: Both A and C

When conducting inspections for lead exposure, risk assessors should prioritize both older areas of the property and the presence of children. Older areas are significant because buildings constructed before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint, as the use of lead in residential paint was banned in the United States that year. Inspectors need to carefully evaluate these older sections for peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint, as these conditions can release lead particles into the environment. Children are also a critical focus because they are particularly vulnerable to the negative health effects of lead exposure, which can include developmental delays and cognitive impairments. Children are more likely to come into contact with lead dust or paint chips since they tend to engage in behaviors such as crawling on floors, putting objects in their mouths, and playing in environments where lead may be present. Combining these two priorities—assessing older areas and the presence of children—allows risk assessors to effectively identify potential sources of lead exposure and implement appropriate mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.