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

Which of the following best describes the purpose of dust sampling?

1. To measure air quality

2. To assess lead exposure risks

3. To determine renovation needs

4. To check for mold

The correct answer is: To assess lead exposure risks

The primary purpose of dust sampling is to assess lead exposure risks. This practice is critical in environments where lead-based paint may deteriorate, as dust can become contaminated with lead particulates. By collecting and analyzing dust samples, risk assessors can determine the presence and concentration of lead in settled dust. This information is vital for evaluating the potential for harmful exposure to residents, particularly in homes with young children, who are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of lead. While measuring air quality may involve dust sampling, it often focuses on airborne particulates rather than settled dust specifically associated with lead. Determining renovation needs typically relies on identifying the presence of lead-based paint or other hazards, but this is not the direct goal of dust sampling. Checking for mold, while an important aspect of environmental assessments, is unrelated to the focus of dust sampling on lead exposure. Therefore, the primary emphasis of dust sampling aligns directly with assessing lead exposure risks.