Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

Which rooms should be sampled when performing composite wipe sampling?

1. Bathrooms and attics

2. Main child play room, kitchen, bedroom of youngest child, bedroom of next oldest child

3. Living room and dining room

4. Utility room and garage

The correct answer is: Main child play room, kitchen, bedroom of youngest child, bedroom of next oldest child

When performing composite wipe sampling for lead assessments, it is essential to prioritize environments where children spend significant time, as these are the crucial areas for potential lead exposure. The selected rooms encompass the main child play area, the kitchen (a common area where food and drink are prepared and shared), and the bedrooms of the youngest and next oldest children. These spaces are central to daily activities and are where children are most likely to encounter lead dust or particles. Sampling in these specific areas helps ensure that the most relevant surfaces are tested, reflecting the potential risk of exposure that children face in their home environment. It is a strategic approach aligned with the objective of identifying lead hazards that could adversely affect children's health, particularly in households with young children who are more vulnerable to lead poisoning. The other options, although they may include some common household areas, do not focus primarily on locations where children are most present and at risk. Such areas may not provide a comprehensive picture of lead exposure risks pertinent to the youngest members of the household, thus underscoring the importance of the chosen answer.