Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

The presence of lead-based paint is a significant factor that enhances the risk of lead exposure in older homes. Many homes built before 1978, when the U.S. banned the use of lead in residential paint, may still contain lead-based paint. Over time, this paint can deteriorate, chip, or create dust that contains lead particles, which can be inhaled or ingested, particularly by children who are more likely to put their hands in their mouths after touching surfaces coated with lead dust. In homes where lead-based paint is present, the risk is particularly elevated, especially if the paint is damaged or if renovations disturb the paint, which can release harmful lead particles into the environment. Addressing the presence of lead-based paint is crucial in managing and reducing the risk of lead exposure, making it a primary concern in older residential properties. The other factors listed, while they may have certain implications regarding health or safety, do not inherently carry the same direct risk associated with lead exposure as the presence of lead-based paint does.