Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is the recommended area for wipes per composite sample?

1. 0.1 ft²

2. 1 ft²

3. 2 ft²

4. 1.5 ft²

The correct answer is: 0.1 ft²

The recommended area for wipes per composite sample in lead risk assessment practices is 0.1 square feet. This standard is established to ensure that the sampling process is both effective and manageable. By utilizing a smaller area for each wipe sample, it allows for more precise detection of lead contamination levels, particularly in environments where risk assessment is critical, such as in homes with young children or in older buildings with lead-based paint. This method enhances the likelihood of identifying areas of concern, as a smaller sampling area is more sensitive to the variations in lead distribution across surfaces. By taking many samples from these smaller areas, the overall assessment can provide a clearer and more accurate picture of lead exposure risk. The practice of using a 0.1 square foot area is thus integral to obtaining reliable data that can inform remediation strategies and safeguard public health. The other options presented do not align with the established guidelines for wipe sampling in lead risk assessments, as they imply larger sampling areas, which could lead to diluted results and potentially miss localized lead contamination.