Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

Spike samples contain lead-containing dust in which paint condition category?

1. Intact

2. Fair

3. Poor

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Spike samples are used in lead risk assessment to ensure that testing methods can accurately detect lead levels in a variety of conditions. Lead-containing dust can be found in any condition of paint—whether it is intact, fair, or poor. In intact paint, dust can be generated from wear and tear, such as abrasion from activities that disturb the surface. In fair condition, where paint may be showing signs of deterioration, it is still possible for lead dust to be present due to the breakdown of the paint. In poor condition, which often involves large areas of lead-based paint deterioration, there is a higher likelihood of lead dust being present and more easily transportable. Thus, as lead can be detected in dust samples across all conditions of paint, spike samples containing lead-containing dust can indeed be categorized under all paint condition categories. This highlights the importance of understanding the potential for lead exposure regardless of the apparent condition of the paint, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing and risk assessment in environments where lead-based paints were used.