Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

When assessing a dwelling, which types of criteria can a risk assessor select?

1. Presence of insects

2. Types of flooring

3. Where bare soil is present such as dripline of house, play areas and vegetable gardens, and areas greater than 9 sq. ft.

4. Exterior paint conditions

The correct answer is: Where bare soil is present such as dripline of house, play areas and vegetable gardens, and areas greater than 9 sq. ft.

Selecting criteria for assessing a dwelling, particularly in relation to lead risk, involves understanding contexts where lead exposure may occur. The correct choice highlights significant locations where lead dust or soil may accumulate, which are crucial for determining potential risks. Bare soil areas, especially in proximity to the house, play spaces, gardens, and specifically areas exceeding 9 square feet, represent significant exposure pathways for lead. Soil can be contaminated through many means, including chipping paint, dust that settles, or historic uses of leaded products. Areas like drip lines are particularly relevant because they may collect runoff that can carry contaminants from the home to the ground. Identifying such locations allows the risk assessor to evaluate potential lead hazard exposure effectively. In contrast, the presence of insects, types of flooring, and exterior paint conditions, while they may relate to general health or safety risks, do not specifically target areas most indicative of lead exposure pathways. Only the criteria involving bare soil focuses directly on where lead risks are most likely to be intensified and where intervention may be necessary.