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

What is the maximum number of wipes that should be included in a composite sample?

1. 2

2. 3

3. 4

4. 5

The correct answer is: 4

In the context of lead-based paint risk assessment, a composite sample is created to provide a representative measurement of lead contamination from multiple surfaces or locations. The best practice for collecting a composite sample involves taking a maximum of four individual wipe samples. This limit is established to ensure that the sample remains manageable and that the results are representative of the overall condition of lead hazards in the environment being assessed. Including too many wipes might dilute the sample and lead to inaccuracies, while too few may not capture the overall exposure scenario effectively. Therefore, the maximum of four wipes strikes a balance between comprehensiveness and practicality, allowing for an effective assessment without compromising the reliability of the results.