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

Who is most likely to bring lead dust home from work?

1. Construction workers

2. Electricians

3. People involved in manufacturing

4. Workers with hand to mouth contact

The correct answer is: Workers with hand to mouth contact

Workers with hand-to-mouth contact are most likely to bring lead dust home from work because this specific behavior increases the risk of ingesting lead particles. When workers handle materials containing lead and then unknowingly touch their mouths, they can transfer lead dust from their hands to their mouths. This is particularly concerning in industries where lead exposure is common, such as in construction or certain types of manufacturing. In contrast, while construction workers, electricians, and people involved in manufacturing may potentially encounter lead dust, they may not engage in hand-to-mouth contact as frequently as those explicitly noted for that behavior. The nature of the work done by those who may be involved in renovations or painting might expose them to lead, but the additional risk factor of directly transferring that dust to their mouths is what sets the fourth option apart. Thus, focusing on the behavior of hand-to-mouth contact clarifies why this group is at higher risk for bringing lead contamination home.