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

What type of sampling should be prioritized when children are frequently present?

1. Random sampling

2. Targeted sampling

3. Composite sampling

4. Soil visual inspection

The correct answer is: Targeted sampling

When children are frequently present, targeted sampling should be prioritized because it focuses on specific areas or factors that are of particular concern regarding lead exposure. This method involves identifying and sampling locations that are most likely to pose a risk to children's health, such as those with deteriorating paint, dust, or soil contamination. Given that children are highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure, targeted sampling helps ensure that the assessment is effectively addressing the most critical sources of lead hazards in areas where children spend time, such as homes, schools, or playgrounds. This proactive approach aids in timely intervention and remediation, which is crucial for protecting children's health. In contrast, random sampling may overlook high-risk areas by taking a more generalized approach, while composite sampling could mask contaminant levels by averaging results from multiple samples. A soil visual inspection, while useful, may not provide the comprehensive data needed to accurately assess lead hazards in environments frequented by children.