CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Which sampling should be collected before dust wipe collection?

1. Paint chip sampling

2. Multi-surface sampling

3. Water sampling

4. Soil sampling

The correct answer is: Paint chip sampling

The correct answer is paint chip sampling because it provides important context regarding potential lead hazards present in a given environment. Before collecting dust wipe samples, it is essential to identify and assess the condition of painted surfaces, particularly in older buildings where lead-based paint might be present. By collecting paint chip samples first, you can determine the lead content in the paint itself, which can be a significant contributor to lead dust. This initial assessment informs the risk associated with lead exposure and helps in understanding whether there is a need for further testing of dust samples from surfaces near the paint. Paint chip analysis helps to establish a comprehensive lead risk assessment and prioritizes areas for intervention if lead is detected. The other sampling options, such as multi-surface, water, and soil sampling, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically provide the necessary context for understanding lead dust hazards before the dust wipe collection. For example, multi-surface sampling may cover a broader range of potential contamination but lacks the specific focus on lead paint that precedes dust generation. Water sampling is relevant for identifying lead in drinking water but does not connect directly to dust from paint, and soil sampling is more focused on outside contamination rather than indoor lead sources directly affecting dust accumulation.