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

What action is required when a child's elevated blood lead level (EBL) exceeds 20 ug/dL?

1. Immediate relocation of the child

2. Referral to a specialist

3. Conduct an EBL investigation

4. Increase dietary calcium intake

The correct answer is: Conduct an EBL investigation

When a child's elevated blood lead level (EBL) exceeds 20 µg/dL, conducting an EBL investigation is essential. This action is critical because an EBL of this level indicates a significant health risk associated with lead exposure, necessitating a thorough examination of potential lead sources in the child's environment. The investigation typically involves identifying possible lead hazards such as lead-based paint, dust, and soil, as well as assessing the child’s living conditions and history of exposure. This process helps determine where the lead exposure may have occurred and allows for appropriate intervention measures to be implemented to protect the child's health. While other options may seem beneficial or relevant in certain contexts, they do not address the urgent need to identify and mitigate lead sources that pose an immediate health threat to the child. Conducting the investigation is the necessary step to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to reduce the child's lead exposure and to implement any required follow-up actions based on the findings of the investigation.