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

Which of the following methods for lead paint removal is prohibited by HUD?

1. Wet scraping

2. Visual inspections

3. Lead hazard control measures

4. Composite dust wipe samples

The correct answer is: Wet scraping

Wet scraping is prohibited by HUD because it can create lead dust and debris that pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. This method can lead to lead particles becoming airborne or settling in areas where they can be ingested or inhaled, thereby increasing the chances of lead exposure. In contrast, visual inspections are a key part of assessing lead hazards, while lead hazard control measures are essential for ensuring the safety of environments with lead paint. Composite dust wipe samples are also utilized in lead assessments to determine the presence of lead dust, but they do not involve the physical removal of lead paint itself. Therefore, wet scraping is specifically singled out due to its potential for creating additional lead hazards through the disturbance of lead-based paint.