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

What is one common way children may ingest lead paint?

1. By eating soil

2. In children's room

3. Through drinking water

4. From older furniture

The correct answer is: In children's room

While children's rooms can certainly contain lead paint, especially in older homes, the most common way children actually ingest lead paint involves the exposure to lead dust or chips that can accumulate in various environments, including child's play areas. Ingestion often occurs when children put their hands or toys that have been contaminated with lead dust into their mouths. Lead paint deterioration can occur over time, leading to paint chips or dust that may not only settle in children's rooms but also in other parts of the home. Therefore, while lead paint may exist in children's rooms, it is not the most direct or common avenue for ingestion. Eating soil, on the other hand, can be a common pathway for lead exposure, especially if the soil is contaminated from nearby lead paint or lead-based materials. Drinking water can also contribute to lead exposure if the plumbing contains lead pipes or fixtures, but this is less directly linked to lead paint. Older furniture can hold lead paint, but it’s not typically associated with young children ingesting it as directly as the other options might suggest. Thus, while children's rooms can contain lead paint, the answer that reflects the most common method of lead ingestion would generally be linked to active behaviors, such as playing in contaminated areas or handling objects with lead dust.