CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What additional measurement might a lab report if dimensions of a scraped area are provided?

1. lbs

2. cm2

3. ppm

4. mg/cm2

The correct answer is: mg/cm2

When a lab provides the dimensions of a scraped area, it often relates to the concentration of lead or other contaminants found in that specific area. The measurement expressed in mg/cm² indicates the mass of the contaminant (in milligrams) per square centimeter of the scraped surface area. This unit of measure is particularly useful in lead inspections because it helps assess the severity of contamination by relating the amount of lead present to the area it affects. In contrast, other options do not effectively convey the concentration or distribution of the contaminant over a specified area. For instance, lbs is a unit of weight that does not provide necessary information regarding surface area; cm² measures area without relating it to a mass; and ppm is a measure of parts per million often used for concentrations in solution rather than surface contamination. Thus, reporting in mg/cm² provides the most relevant and precise information for assessing potential lead exposure risks.