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

When is testing required for intact paint?

1. When lead levels in soil exceed 400 ppm

2. Only during initial inspections

3. Yearly, regardless of condition

4. Only if paint is peeling

The correct answer is: When lead levels in soil exceed 400 ppm

Testing for intact paint is required when lead levels in soil exceed 400 parts per million (ppm) because elevated lead levels in the soil indicate a potential risk of lead exposure to occupants, especially children. If lead is found in the soil, there's a significant enough environmental concern that also suggests the possibility of lead being present in the surrounding structures, including intact paint. It is essential to assess all potential sources of lead exposure, which includes both soil and paint, particularly in areas where children may play or where they spend a significant amount of time. Although only peeling paint may seem directly related to lead exposure, intact paint can also pose a risk, especially where soil contamination is evident. The option regarding only testing during initial inspections does not account for ongoing risks that might arise from changing conditions over time. The requirement for annual testing regardless of the condition of the paint would lead to unnecessary testing without consideration of the actual risk factors involved. Similarly, limiting testing strictly to peeling paint ignores the broader context of lead safety and the need for comprehensive risk assessments.