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

What method is commonly used to test paint chips?

1. Mass Spectrometry

2. Chromatography

3. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

4. Infrared Spectroscopy

The correct answer is: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

The method commonly used to test paint chips is Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). This technique is especially effective for detecting and quantifying lead in paint samples. AAS works by atomizing the sample and exposing it to a light source, typically a lamp specific to the element being measured—in this case, lead. The amount of light absorbed by the lead atoms is proportional to their concentration in the sample, allowing for precise measurement of lead levels in paint chips. While mass spectrometry, chromatography, and infrared spectroscopy are valuable analytical techniques in various contexts, they are not the standard methods employed for direct testing of lead in paint chips. Mass spectrometry, for example, is more complex and typically requires additional sample preparation and ionization steps, making it less practical for routine paint analysis. Chromatography is primarily used for separating components in a mixture rather than direct quantification of heavy metals like lead in solid samples. Infrared spectroscopy can provide information about the chemical bonds in organic compounds, but it is not specific enough for detecting lead in paint. Therefore, AAS stands out as the most suitable and widely accepted method for testing lead in paint chips.