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

Which agency is responsible for reducing lead hazards in the United States?

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The correct answer is: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

The agency primarily responsible for reducing lead hazards in the United States is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is involved in the regulation and management of lead in various contexts, including residential settings, by implementing laws and guidelines that aim to minimize lead exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. While the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) does focus on workplace safety and health, including exposure to lead, it does not have the overarching responsibility for lead hazard reduction in the community at large. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a significant role in public health regarding lead exposure and offers valuable guidelines and data, but it does not directly manage lead hazards or enforce regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is primarily concerned with workplace safety and can establish regulations regarding lead exposure for workers but does not regulate lead hazards in residential settings or in the broader community. Understanding the distinct roles of these agencies clarifies why the EPA is the correct answer regarding lead hazard reduction efforts nationwide.