CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

According to HUD guidelines, which waste characteristic includes lead waste?

1. Ignitability

2. Reactivity

3. Toxicity

4. Corrosivity

The correct answer is: Toxicity

The correct answer is toxicity because this characteristic refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or the environment. Lead waste is classified as toxic because it can have serious health effects, particularly in children, including developmental and neurological damage. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, waste that contains hazardous materials—like lead—requires careful handling and disposal to prevent exposure and pollution. Understanding toxicity is essential for lead inspectors and assessors, as identifying lead-contaminated waste is a key component of ensuring safe environments, particularly in residential housing built before 1978, when lead-based paints were commonly used. This classification helps determine the proper methods for managing and disposing of such waste to minimize health risks to occupants and workers involved in remediation efforts.