CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

How should plaster over concrete block be recorded?

1. As concrete

2. As plaster

3. As a composite substrate

4. As dual substrate

The correct answer is: As plaster

Recording plaster over concrete block as plaster is appropriate because the primary surface that is being analyzed and addressed for lead risk is the plaster itself. In situations involving lead assessments, the specific material being evaluated is crucial since it can dictate the necessary abatement strategies and compliance requirements. Plaster can have unique characteristics and lead-related concerns separate from those of the concrete block beneath it. The plaster surface will often be the layer that is painted or weathered and therefore has the highest likelihood of containing lead, especially in older buildings where lead-based paints were commonly used. Properly identifying and recording it as plaster ensures that assessments, sampling, and any subsequent remediation efforts focus on the material most relevant to lead exposure hazards. While composite and dual substrates might seem viable choices, they typically apply to materials where two distinct types are being evaluated simultaneously. In this case, the plaster is the dominant and significant layer in terms of lead risk assessments, making it the most logical material to identify for accurate documentation and risk evaluation.