CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is an example of primary prevention strategies for lead exposure?

1. Chelation Therapy

2. Public awareness campaigns

3. Inspections of pre-1978 housing

4. Community workshops

The correct answer is: Inspections of pre-1978 housing

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of addressing lead exposure before it occurs, which is the essence of primary prevention strategies. Inspections of pre-1978 housing are crucial because homes built before this year are more likely to contain lead-based paint and lead hazards. By conducting inspections, potential lead exposure can be identified and mitigated before it impacts residents, especially children, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead. Public awareness campaigns and community workshops, while valuable for educating the public and promoting practices that reduce lead exposure, are typically categorized as secondary prevention. They aim to increase knowledge and awareness rather than directly identify and eliminate the source of lead exposure. Chelation therapy is a treatment option that is used after lead has already been absorbed into the body, addressing the condition rather than preventing the exposure in the first place. Therefore, it does not fit within the framework of primary prevention, which seeks to eliminate risks before they lead to health issues.