CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

True or False: All paint layers from the substrate should be collected in paint-chip collection.

1. True

2. False

3. It Depends on the Condition

4. Only the Top Layer

The correct answer is: True

The statement that all paint layers from the substrate should be collected in paint-chip collection is accurate. This practice is essential because lead contamination can be present not just in top layers of paint but throughout multiple layers. Lead-based paint, which was commonly used prior to the 1978 ban, may have been applied in various coats, and it is crucial to sample all layers to fully assess the potential for lead exposure and contamination. Collecting all layers ensures a comprehensive evaluation of lead content, which is vital for compliance with regulations and for the health and safety of occupants, particularly in homes with children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure. By analyzing paint chips from every layer, one can determine the history of paint applications and assess the risk associated with each individual layer, rather than only addressing the surface layer, which might not reflect the true risk of lead present in the structure.