CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What can happen when lead dust enters a home?

1. It enhances indoor air quality

2. It can lower blood lead levels

3. It increases lead exposure risk

4. It has no health effects

The correct answer is: It increases lead exposure risk

When lead dust enters a home, it significantly increases the risk of lead exposure. Lead dust often originates from deteriorating lead-based paint or contaminated soil, and once it makes its way indoors, it can settle on various surfaces. When inhaled or ingested, particularly by children, it can lead to serious health issues, including cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and various chronic health problems. Elevated blood lead levels in children can result from regular exposure to this dust, as they may inadvertently ingest lead particles by putting their hands (which may have come into contact with contaminated surfaces) into their mouths. Therefore, the presence of lead dust in a home poses a substantial public health concern, underscoring the importance of maintaining lead-safe environments, especially in older buildings where lead-based paints were commonly used.