CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What kind of materials are likely to be tested for lead contamination in a household?

1. Furniture and appliances

2. Walls and ceilings

3. Water pipes and plumbing fixtures

4. Flooring and carpets

The correct answer is: Walls and ceilings

Testing for lead contamination in a household commonly focuses on walls and ceilings because these surfaces are more likely to have been painted with lead-based paints, especially in homes built before 1978 when the use of lead in residential paints was banned in the United States. Lead exposure can occur when lead dust is released from deteriorating paint, which can then settle on surfaces and be ingested or inhaled, posing significant health risks, particularly to children. While other materials, such as plumbing fixtures and water pipes, can also present lead hazards, the primary focus of lead inspections typically centers around the paint on walls and ceilings, as this is often where higher concentrations of lead are found in older structures. Additionally, testing flooring and carpets may be relevant, but these materials are less frequently cited as direct sources of lead exposure compared to the painted surfaces on walls and ceilings.