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

What characterizes surface coat failure in lead paint?

1. Uniform color distribution

2. Top layer of paint detaching

3. Paint adhesion to substrate

4. Color fading over time

The correct answer is: Top layer of paint detaching

Surface coat failure in lead paint is characterized primarily by the top layer of paint detaching from the underlying layers or substrate. This detachment occurs due to various factors such as deterioration from environmental conditions, moisture intrusion, or simply the degradation of the paint film over time. When the surface coat fails, it often results in the release of lead dust or chips, posing a risk for lead exposure, especially in homes built before 1978 when lead-based paints were commonly used. The other options, while related to paint characteristics, do not directly address the issue of surface coat failure. Uniform color distribution refers to the even application of paint without variations in tint, which does not indicate failure. Paint adhesion to the substrate is a desirable quality in a paint system; strong adhesion helps prevent failure rather than highlight it. Color fading over time is a common occurrence with any paint but does not signify that the paint layer is failing or detaching. Thus, the detachment of the top layer of paint is a clear and distinct marker of surface coat failure in lead paint.