Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

What is the allowable amount of lead paint?

1. The maximum level of lead in residential soil.

2. The maximum permissible concentration of lead in drinking water.

3. The maximum amount of lead allowable in paint.

4. The process of testing children to determine if they have elevated blood lead levels.

The correct answer is: The maximum amount of lead allowable in paint.

The maximum amount of lead allowable in paint refers specifically to the regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the safe levels of lead in residential paint. Historically, lead was commonly used in paint due to its durability and drying properties. However, due to its toxic effects, particularly on children, stringent regulations have been established to limit lead content. In the context of the question, knowing the allowable amount of lead in paint is crucial for assessing risks in homes built before the ban on lead-based paint. The current allowable limit for lead in residential paint is less than 90 parts per million (ppm), which is a standard established to protect human health, especially in environments frequented by children. Understanding this limit is essential for risk assessors, as it directly impacts remediation strategies, health evaluations, and public safety initiatives related to lead exposure in residential settings. In contrast, the other options deal with lead standards in different contexts, such as soil or drinking water, or focus on testing for lead exposure rather than specifying allowable concentrations in paint itself.