Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

Which conditions are necessary to identify a chewable surface hazard in a risk assessment?

1. Presence of children

2. LBP, evidence of abrasion, and dust on nearby horizontal surfaces

3. Accessibility to pets

4. Weather conditions

The correct answer is: LBP, evidence of abrasion, and dust on nearby horizontal surfaces

To identify a chewable surface hazard during a risk assessment, it is crucial to focus on specific indicators that directly point to the potential for lead exposure. The presence of lead-based paint (LBP), evidence of abrasion, and dust accumulation on nearby horizontal surfaces are critical factors in this assessment. Lead-based paint is a primary source of lead exposure, particularly in environments where children may come into contact with deteriorating paint. Abrasion of surfaces can create dust or lead-contaminated particles that children might ingest or inhale, especially if they have a habit of chewing on surfaces. Moreover, the presence of dust on horizontal surfaces indicates that lead particles may settle in areas where children, who are more likely to engage with their environment by touching and chewing, could become exposed. Other factors mentioned, like the presence of children or weather conditions, while relevant in broader contexts of risk assessment, do not specifically influence the surface hazard status. Accessibility to pets might also seem pertinent, but it does not have a direct link to the identification of chewable surface hazards in the same way that lead-based paint and dust do. Thus, the presence of LBP, signs of surface abrasion, and the accompanying dust serve as the essential criteria for evaluating chewable surface hazards effectively.