Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

If there are fewer than 5 dwellings with different histories, when should you assess?

1. After each dwelling is sampled

2. Once all dwellings are decontaminated

3. After sampling the final dwelling of the day but before decontamination

4. Only at the beginning of the day

The correct answer is: After sampling the final dwelling of the day but before decontamination

Sampling and assessment procedures crucially depend on the number of dwellings and their varying histories. When you have fewer than five dwellings with different histories, it is essential to assess after all sampling for the day has been completed, yet before the decontamination process begins. This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the collected data from all the dwellings. The rationale for conducting the assessment at this stage is that it provides a clear picture of the contamination levels and potential risks based on the entirety of the sampled data, rather than piecemeal information gathered throughout the day. Once decontamination occurs, data may be lost or compromised, making it challenging to accurately assess and compare the risks associated with each dwelling. Therefore, conducting the assessment after the last sample is collected but prior to initiating decontamination ensures that you have all relevant information at hand for a thorough risk evaluation.