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

Which materials do not require substrate correction for XRF results?

1. Wood and Metal

2. Bricks and Concrete

3. Glass

4. Brick, Concrete, Drywall, and Plaster

The correct answer is: Brick, Concrete, Drywall, and Plaster

The correct answer regarding which materials do not require substrate correction for XRF (X-ray fluorescence) results is glass. When using XRF technology to test for lead in paint, different substrates can affect the readings. In the case of glass, the material does not interfere with the XRF results, meaning that the readings can be taken at face value without the need for adjustments related to the substrate. This is critical for obtaining accurate assessments of lead paint presence. In contrast, materials like wood, metal, bricks, concrete, drywall, and plaster can affect how XRF readings are interpreted, often requiring corrections or adjustments due to their own chemical compositions and potential interference with the measurement of lead. Therefore, glass stands out as the material that allows for direct results without the complicating factor of substrate correction. Understanding these dynamics is key to accurately assessing lead risks in various environments.