Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is the disturbed surface area criterion where EPA lead regulations do not apply?

1. 0 sq. ft.

2. Up to 10 sq. ft. for interiors

3. Less than 5% of the total area

4. 10 sq. ft. or more

The correct answer is: Up to 10 sq. ft. for interiors

The disturbed surface area criterion under EPA lead regulations specifies that these regulations do not apply when the disturbed area is below certain thresholds. When the threshold is set to up to 10 square feet for interior work, it indicates that minor repairs or maintenance involving less than this area are not subject to the lead regulations. This is based on the understanding that small, limited disturbances are less likely to generate significant lead dust or chips that would pose a health risk. The rationale behind allowing a threshold of up to 10 square feet is to facilitate routine maintenance and repair work without the extensive requirements imposed by the EPA lead regulations. It helps strike a balance between ensuring safety and practicality in handling minor repairs in buildings that may contain lead-based paint. Choosing a disturbed surface area larger than this threshold, or measuring it against other criteria which do not denote safe thresholds for small projects, would result in the need to comply with lead-safe work practices to protect against exposure risk, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.