CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the sampling rate for NIOSH Method 7082?

1. 0.5-2 liters per minute

2. 1-4 liters per minute

3. 5-10 liters per minute

4. 10-20 liters per minute

The correct answer is: 1-4 liters per minute

The sampling rate for NIOSH Method 7082, which is used for the determination of lead in workplace air, is indeed 1-4 liters per minute. This method outlines specific parameters for air sampling to ensure that appropriate volumes of air are collected for accurate analysis of lead concentration. Choosing a sampling rate within this range allows for sufficient sampling without overwhelming the collection medium, ensuring that the lead particles are effectively captured while also maintaining the integrity of the sample for subsequent laboratory analysis. The specified rate aligns with best practices to achieve reliable and reproducible results, which are essential in occupational health assessments. Using a sampling rate that is either too low or too high could compromise the accuracy of the results by either failing to collect enough particulate matter or by loading too much material, which could lead to saturation and inaccurate readings. Thus, committing to the 1-4 liters per minute rate ensures that the air samples are both representative and of high quality for the analysis of lead levels in occupational environments.