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

What are the three categories of paint film quality?

1. Excellent, Good, Fair

2. Intact, Fair, Poor

3. Excellent, Deteriorating, Poor

4. Low, Medium, High

The correct answer is: Intact, Fair, Poor

The correct categorization of paint film quality includes the terms intact, fair, and poor, which helps assess the condition of paint surfaces in relation to lead hazards. Each category reflects a specific condition of the paint film. When a paint film is described as "intact," it indicates that the paint is undamaged and holds its structure well, which reduces the likelihood of lead dust or chips being present and minimizes exposure risks. "Fair" suggests that the paint film shows some signs of wear or minor deterioration, which may not be an immediate hazard but should be monitored for further degradation. The "poor" category denotes severely deteriorated paint, where chipping, peeling, or significant wear could pose immediate risks of lead exposure through dust or ingestion. Understanding these categories is essential for risk assessors to determine the necessary actions regarding lead paint, such as remediation, monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols for future maintenance. This classification is crucial to protect public health, especially in homes where lead-based paint was commonly used prior to bans and regulations.