Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

For a full assessment, how many composite samples should be collected and from where?

1. One from the bedroom and one from the living room

2. Two from the dwelling unit, one from the uncarpeted floor, one from the window sill

3. Three from various rooms

4. One from the kitchen and one from the bathroom

The correct answer is: Two from the dwelling unit, one from the uncarpeted floor, one from the window sill

The choice that specifies collecting two composite samples, one from an uncarpeted floor and one from a window sill, aligns well with the protocols established for lead-based paint risk assessments. A full assessment aims to accurately identify lead hazards in a dwelling. Sampling from both an uncarpeted floor and a window sill is crucial because these locations are commonly associated with lead dust exposure. The uncarpeted floor can reveal lead dust that has settled from lead-based paint, while window sills often accumulate dust and debris, including lead-contaminated particles, as windows are a frequent source of lead exposure due to the wear and degradation of lead-based paint over time. This approach ensures that key areas of concern are tested, providing a more comprehensive assessment of potential lead hazards within the dwelling. By focusing on these specific locations, the sampling reflects best practices in risk assessment and helps inform necessary remediation actions effectively.