CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Which of the following cannot be used for lead-based paint hazard risk assessment?

1. Dust wipes

2. Vacuum samples

3. Surface wipe tests

4. Soil samples

The correct answer is: Vacuum samples

The reason vacuum samples cannot be used for lead-based paint hazard risk assessment is that they do not provide a direct method for assessing lead hazards in the same way that the other sampling methods do. Lead-based paint hazard assessments are primarily concerned with identifying and quantifying lead where it may pose a health risk, particularly in areas where children might be exposed. Dust wipes are specifically designed to collect settled dust from surfaces and are effective in measuring the concentration of lead that could be ingested or inhaled, making them valuable for assessing the potential for lead exposure. Surface wipe tests similarly sample surfaces to check for lead residues directly on walls or floors where lead-based paint might have deteriorated. Soil samples can identify lead contamination in the ground, which is important, especially in residential areas where lead-based paint can have dripped or been removed and deposited outside. In contrast, vacuum samples do not target lead specifically and may collect a heterogeneous mix of materials rather than measuring specific lead dust exposure risks. Hence, they are not a reliable method for assessing lead hazards directly related to lead-based paint.