Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

When should single wipe sampling be used in assessing lead dust?

1. When a higher cost per sample is acceptable

2. When detailed location data is necessary

3. When cost savings are needed

4. When more advanced lab procedures can be utilized

The correct answer is: When cost savings are needed

Single wipe sampling is designed to be a cost-effective method for assessing lead dust. This technique provides a practical approach when resources are limited and the goal is to gather necessary data without incurring high expenses. It generally involves collecting a sample from a specific area and analyzing it for lead content, making it less complex and less expensive than other sampling methods that might require more intricate procedures or equipment. Using single wipe samples can effectively yield sufficient information regarding lead presence in a cost-saving manner, especially in situations that do not require extensive or detailed analyses. This is particularly advantageous in routine assessments or when dealing with multiple locations, where the need for numerous samples must be balanced against budget constraints. The other options would not be the primary contexts for using single wipe sampling. Higher costs per sample might not align with the purpose of the single wipe method, as it is inherently a more economical choice. Detailed location data and advanced lab procedures are typically associated with more comprehensive sampling techniques that provide in-depth analysis and results, over and above what single wipe sampling offers.