CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What must be done if inconclusive readings are found during a lead-based paint inspection?

1. Ignore them

2. Confirm them in the laboratory

3. Assume they are all negative

4. Conduct a second inspection

The correct answer is: Confirm them in the laboratory

When inconclusive readings are found during a lead-based paint inspection, confirming them in the laboratory is essential to ensure accurate assessment of lead presence. Inconclusive readings can arise due to various factors, including equipment malfunction, environmental conditions, or operator error. By sending samples to a certified laboratory for further analysis, inspectors can obtain definitive results regarding the lead content. This detailed confirmation process is crucial for correctly identifying potential lead hazards, ensuring that necessary remediation actions can be taken to protect public health, especially in environments with vulnerable populations such as children. The other options do not support the integrity and safety of the inspection process. Ignoring inconclusive readings could lead to undetected lead hazards, which poses health risks. Assuming all inconclusive readings are negative undermines the purpose of the inspection, as it may overlook significant lead threats. Conducting a second inspection may seem like a logical next step, but without laboratory confirmation, any repeated field readings could still yield inconclusive results. Therefore, laboratory confirmation is the most reliable and responsible approach following inconclusive findings.