CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Is covered soil considered a possible soil-lead hazard according to current regulations?

1. Yes, always

2. No, never

3. Only if it is periodically disturbed

4. It depends on the type of covering

The correct answer is: No, never

The assertion that covered soil is never considered a possible soil-lead hazard aligns with regulatory perspectives that seek to clarify the risk factors associated with lead exposure in the environment. According to current regulations and guidance, soil that is properly covered, for example, with grass, concrete, or asphalt, typically mitigates the potential for lead exposure, making it less of a concern for lead hazards. The rationale behind this understanding is that a cover can prevent direct contact with the soil that may contain lead. Therefore, when soil is effectively covered, the risk of disturbing the soil, which could potentially release lead particles into the environment or increase exposure, is significantly reduced. Only when the covering is removed, compromised, or disturbed does the soil beneath it become a concern from a lead exposure perspective. This viewpoint, however, differs significantly from options that imply conditional hazards or specific types of covering, as those alternatives do not reflect the broader regulatory context. For instance, if soil is covered appropriately and maintained, it is not considered a hazard under prevailing guidance.