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

Which of the following is an example of an interim control?

1. Complete renovation of the building

2. Paint film stabilization

3. Lead contaminated dust removal

4. Measures to reduce human exposure to lead hazards

The correct answer is: Measures to reduce human exposure to lead hazards

Interim controls are methods used to temporarily reduce lead hazards in a building without completely eliminating them. They are designed to manage lead exposure until permanent solutions can be implemented. Among the options provided, measures to reduce human exposure to lead hazards directly pertain to practices that can be enacted quickly to limit the risk of lead exposure, such as cleaning surfaces, sealing off areas, or educating residents about avoiding exposure. These actions help minimize immediate risk while longer-term remediation strategies, like complete renovations, are planned or carried out. In contrast, complete renovation involves extensive work to remove lead sources, which goes beyond simply controlling hazards. Paint film stabilization and lead contaminated dust removal may provide more definitive solutions but are often considered part of remediation rather than interim controls as they aim towards more permanent solutions. Therefore, the actions that directly focus on mitigating risk are categorized as interim controls.