CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

According to regulations, "lead-based paint" contains what amount of lead?

1. ≥ 1.0% by weight

2. ≥ 1.0 mg/cm2

3. ≥ 0.5% by weight or ≥ 1.0 mg/cm2

4. ≤ 0.5% by weight

The correct answer is: ≥ 0.5% by weight or ≥ 1.0 mg/cm2

Lead-based paint is defined by regulatory standards to ensure public safety, particularly for children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure. The definition encompasses both a percentage by weight and a concentration measurement. Specifically, a paint is classified as "lead-based" if it contains lead in amounts equal to or greater than 0.5% by weight or 1.0 mg/cm². This dual specification addresses the various ways that lead content can be measured depending on the context (e.g., paint chips vs. surface area) and emphasizes the need for public health measures to be based on practical levels of exposure that could be harmful. By incorporating both weight percentage and surface concentration, the regulations aim to comprehensively cover potential lead hazards in diverse environments. The specific threshold of 0.5% by weight or 1.0 mg/cm² is grounded in research demonstrating that these levels pose significant health risks, thus serving as a critical benchmark in lead exposure assessments and remediation efforts.