CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Which type of waste, including paint strippings and lead chips, is categorized as hazardous?

1. Household waste

2. Biodegradable waste

3. Category III - Concentrated Lead Waste

4. General industrial waste

The correct answer is: Category III - Concentrated Lead Waste

The correct answer is categorized as concentrated lead waste, which encompasses materials such as paint strippings and lead chips that contain high levels of lead. This type of waste poses significant health risks and environmental concerns due to the toxicity of lead. Lead is a heavy metal that can cause various health issues, including cognitive impairment and neurological damage, especially in children. Therefore, materials that contain lead must be handled with care and disposed of according to strict regulatory standards. Concentrated lead waste requires specific disposal methods to mitigate its hazard to both human health and the environment, such as using licensed hazardous waste facilities. In contrast, household waste typically includes everyday items that do not have the same level of toxicity and are managed by local waste management systems. Biodegradable waste refers to organic materials that can decompose naturally and do not pose the same hazards as lead-based materials. General industrial waste includes various types of waste generated by industries, but it does not necessarily contain hazardous components like concentrated lead.