Which of the following would most likely indicate a lead hazard?

Chipping or peeling paint in older homes is most likely to indicate a lead hazard because homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint. When paint deteriorates by chipping or peeling, it can release lead dust or chips, which pose significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. The deterioration of paint surfaces increases the likelihood of lead exposure, making it a crucial indicator of a potential hazard.

In contrast, newer paint, such as that found in homes built after 1978, is unlikely to contain lead, and thus the presence of newer paint does not signify a lead hazard. Similarly, cornices made of wood or newly installed drywall do not directly associate with lead risks unless they are part of a structure that has been previously painted with lead-based paint. In these cases, components like cornices would need to be inspected for lead paint, but their existence alone does not indicate a lead hazard.