Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

The correct answer indicates that the EPA considers a soil lead hazard level in residential or general yard areas to be 400 ppm (parts per million). This threshold is significant because it helps to identify when a yard may pose a risk to health, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to lead exposure. The 400 ppm guideline is established based on evaluations of lead exposure risks in residential environments and aims to protect public health, especially for populations at greater risk. In the context of urban or non-residential areas, higher levels, such as 1,200 ppm, could be observed due to industrial activities; however, these are not the concern for general residential yards. Similarly, lower levels like 100 ppm and 200 ppm do not represent the EPA's recognized hazard level for yard soil. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for lead risk assessment and effective remediation strategies to safeguard against lead exposure.