Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is the EPA's soil clearance/hazard level for other parts of the yard?

1. 5,000 ppm

2. 3,000 ppm

3. 2,500 ppm

4. 4,000 ppm

The correct answer is: 5,000 ppm

The correct answer is based on the EPA's established guidelines for lead in residential soils, which helps to determine the level of lead that poses a risk to human health, particularly for children. The standard soil clearance or hazard level for lead contamination in areas outside of the home, such as backyards and other parts of the yard, is set at 5,000 parts per million (ppm). This level is significant because it indicates the threshold at which lead-related health risks become more prominent, necessitating further assessment or remediation actions to minimize exposure. The high potential for children to come into contact with soil during play emphasizes the importance of this clearance level, as elevated lead levels can lead to serious health outcomes. Understanding this clearance level is crucial for anyone assessing lead risks within residential environments as it guides the decision-making process for effective risk management in contaminated areas. In contrast, the other choices represent lower thresholds that are not utilized by the EPA for soil hazard levels in residential yards. Each of those values might reflect different contexts or regulatory guidelines outside the specific focus of general soil clearance/hazard levels as established for lead exposure.