Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

Avoiding lead-based paint is a primary preventive measure for lead exposure in children because lead paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978, and deteriorating lead paint can create lead dust or chips that are hazardous to children. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to their developing bodies and behaviors, such as putting objects, including paint chips, in their mouths.

This preventive measure is significant because lead exposure can have severe and lasting effects on a child's health, impacting their cognitive development, behavior, and overall well-being. By ensuring that living environments are free from lead-based paint hazards, parents and caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of lead poisoning.

Other measures like regular doctor check-ups, while important for monitoring health, do not directly prevent lead exposure. Using bottled water exclusively may prevent exposure if the tap water is contaminated, but it is also not a universal preventive measure since lead can come from many sources. Limiting outdoor playtime does not effectively prevent lead exposure, as children can be exposed to lead in various environments, not just at home.