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

During environmental assessments, who must the risk assessor report to if they collect soil samples?

1. The property owner only

2. The local health department

3. The licensed inspector

4. They do not need to report

The correct answer is: The licensed inspector

The correct response is to report to the licensed inspector because this individual plays a critical role in the overall management of lead-based paint assessments and has specific training and certification to interpret the results. When a risk assessor collects soil samples, those samples are part of a broader assessment that may influence decisions about mitigation or remediation strategies. The licensed inspector has the expertise to evaluate the risk assessment findings properly and is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, the interactions between risk assessors and licensed inspectors are important for maintaining thorough communication about lead hazards, potential health impacts, and subsequent steps that need to be taken. Even though property owners and local health departments may be stakeholders in the assessment process, the primary reporting pathway to a licensed inspector ensures that proper protocols are followed and that all data is managed by someone who can integrate findings into the risk assessment framework effectively.