Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What service should be provided if a child under 6 is moving into an apartment in good condition with no known issues?

1. Lead-based paint inspection

2. Risk Assessment

3. Lead Hazard Screen

4. Environmental Assessment

The correct answer is: Lead Hazard Screen

A lead hazard screen is specifically designed for situations where a child under 6 is moving into a home, particularly in housing constructed before 1978, which is when lead-based paints were commonly used. This service assesses the potential for lead hazards without conducting a full inspection of the premises. In instances where a child is moving into an apartment in good condition with no known issues, a lead hazard screen can effectively identify any visual signs or conditions that might harbor lead hazards, such as chipping or peeling paint, without the need for a more invasive and comprehensive lead-based paint inspection. This approach is both cost-effective and timely, ensuring the child's safety while minimizing unnecessary disruptions. Lead-based paint inspection would be more extensive, involving detailed sampling and testing, which may not be needed if the apartment is deemed to be in good condition. A risk assessment, on the other hand, is more thorough and is typically conducted when there are known lead hazards or exposure incidents, while an environmental assessment would be broader, examining various environmental factors rather than focusing specifically on lead. Thus, for a child moving into a seemingly safe space, a lead hazard screen is the best choice to efficiently address lead risk.