CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the minimum frequency for BLL testing after an initial medical surveillance?

1. Every month

2. Every two months

3. Every six months

4. Annually

The correct answer is: Every two months

After an initial medical surveillance to assess blood lead levels (BLL), the minimum frequency for subsequent testing is every two months. This is particularly relevant for individuals who may be at risk of lead exposure, such as workers in lead-related industries or environments. This frequency helps ensure close monitoring of blood lead levels to prevent the potential health effects associated with lead exposure, as lead can accumulate in the body over time. Regular testing at this interval allows for timely intervention if lead levels begin to rise, ensuring that appropriate safety measures and medical responses can be implemented to protect the individual's health. While annual testing may seem sufficient in some contexts, it does not provide the timely monitoring necessary to detect changes that could indicate increased exposure or the need for immediate action. Similarly, testing every month may not be practical or necessary unless specifically indicated by an individual's circumstances. Testing every six months, while more frequent than annual testing, might still allow for elevations in lead levels to go unnoticed for too long in a high-risk environment.