CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What unit of measurement will a lab use to report findings for paint chip samples?

1. mg/cm2

2. g/L

3. ppm

4. kg

The correct answer is: ppm

The unit of measurement that a lab will use to report findings for paint chip samples is parts per million (ppm). This measurement is particularly relevant in the context of lead assessment because it allows for an easy understanding of the concentration of lead within the paint sample. PPM indicates the number of parts of lead per million parts of the sample, providing a clear indication of the potentially hazardous levels present in the paint. Using ppm as a reporting standard is essential in lead regulations and health guidance, as it helps professionals assess whether the lead levels exceed safety thresholds set by health authorities. Other units of measurement, such as mg/cm², g/L, or kg, serve different purposes and contexts, such as weight per unit area or concentration in solutions, but ppm is the most appropriate unit for evaluating lead exposure risks in paint samples specifically. This makes it the standard measurement in lead risk assessments, ensuring consistency and comparability across various samples.