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

What type of finish is classified under interior surfaces used to enclose lead-based paint?

1. Brick wall

2. Drywall

3. Glass panels

4. Wooden planks

The correct answer is: Drywall

The classification of drywall as a type of finish under interior surfaces that can enclose lead-based paint is due to its common use in residential construction. Drywall is typically installed over studs in walls and ceilings, providing a smooth surface that can easily be painted. When lead-based paint was widely used in homes prior to its ban, it was often applied to drywall surfaces. As an enclosing finish, drywall can trap lead dust and particles behind its surface, which can pose a risk during renovation or demolition activities if not properly managed. This makes it crucial for risk assessors to identify and evaluate drywall for potential lead exposure. In contrast, other materials listed, although potentially painted with lead-based paint, do not serve the same functional role as enclosing surfaces. For instance, glass panels and brick walls are less likely to conceal lead paint since they either do not typically get painted or their surface treatment does not involve lead paint in the same way as drywall. Wooden planks are often exposed or used in different structural contexts that may not classify them under the same interior surface category as drywall. Therefore, drywall stands out as the most relevant type of finish used in this context.