CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Soil samples are typically collected by driving a coring tool how many inches deep into the ground?

1. 1 inch

2. 1/2 inch

3. 2 inches

4. 3 inches

The correct answer is: 1/2 inch

The typical practice for collecting soil samples in lead assessment involves driving a coring tool into the ground to a depth of about 2 inches. This depth is sufficient to capture the uppermost layer of soil, which is most likely to contain lead particles deposited from various sources, such as deteriorating lead-based paint, industrial activity, or atmospheric deposition. Collecting soil samples at this depth allows for a representative sample to be analyzed, as it reflects the primary zone where lead may accumulate due to human activities or environmental exposure. While shallower depths, such as 1/2 inch or 1 inch, may not provide enough soil to analyze effectively, going deeper than 2 inches may introduce soil layers that are not associated with the contamination source of concern. Therefore, the 2-inch depth is the standard for soil sampling to ensure that the samples are relevant for assessing lead risks and creating a valid basis for any remediation efforts if necessary.