CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

How many wipes can be included in a wipe sample composite?

1. Up to 2 wipes

2. Up to 3 wipes

3. Up to 4 wipes

4. Up to 5 wipes

The correct answer is: Up to 4 wipes

The correct answer is that a wipe sample composite can include up to four wipes. This limit is established to ensure that the composite is representative of the area being tested while allowing for a sufficient quantity of material to be analyzed. By combining multiple wipes into one sample, it increases the likelihood of detecting lead contamination, as it captures variability across the surface being tested. The guideline for using up to four wipes strikes a balance between obtaining enough data for accurate assessment and minimizing the complexity of testing. Testing beyond four wipes may introduce inconsistencies that can make it difficult to interpret the results reliably. Thus, adhering to the four-wipe maximum is critical for maintaining the integrity of lead assessment processes.