CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the main criterion for determining lead levels in residential paint?

1. Color of the paint

2. Age of the structure

3. Lead concentration

4. Presence of peeling paint

The correct answer is: Lead concentration

The primary criterion for determining lead levels in residential paint is lead concentration. Lead was commonly used in paint, particularly in homes built before 1978 when the U.S. banned the use of lead-based paints for residential properties. To assess whether a paint contains lead, it is essential to measure the actual concentration of lead within the paint. Testing methods, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or laboratory analysis of paint samples, are utilized specifically to determine the lead levels. Although factors such as the age of the structure and the condition of the paint (like peeling) can provide contextual clues about the potential for lead exposure, they do not directly quantify lead levels. The color of the paint is irrelevant with respect to lead content since paint color can vary widely regardless of the presence of lead. Hence, focusing on lead concentration gives a clear and direct indication of whether the paint poses a health risk due to lead exposure.