Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

At what concentration does the EPA consider lead in soil to be hazardous for play areas?

1. 500 ppm

2. 1,200 ppm

3. 1,000 ppm

4. 800 ppm

The correct answer is: 1,200 ppm

The concentration at which the EPA considers lead in soil to be hazardous for play areas is established at 1,200 ppm. This threshold is established based on research and assessments of lead's harmful effects on children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their behavior, such as playing in areas where lead could be present in the soil. The EPA sets this standard to help protect children's health by minimizing their exposure to lead, which can lead to serious health issues, including developmental and neurological problems. Standards like these are formulated from extensive studies involving risk assessments that consider various exposure pathways and their potential impacts. The 1,200 ppm limit indicates a level where the lead concentration could pose significant risks in environments where children frequently play, necessitating remediation actions to reduce the concentration of lead in those areas.