Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is one advantage of using composite wipe sampling?

1. Provides detailed location data

2. Lower cost per sample

3. Increased number of samples

4. Better for capturing lead dust in one area

The correct answer is: Increased number of samples

Using composite wipe sampling has the advantage of allowing for the aggregation of multiple small samples into one larger sample to analyze for lead contamination. This method can be particularly advantageous when trying to assess lead dust levels across a large area or varied surfaces. By combining samples from several locations, composite sampling increases the number of data points that can be analyzed, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of lead distribution in an environment. This approach can identify whether lead dust is present over a wider area without the need for individual testing of each specific location. Consequently, composite wipe sampling can provide a snapshot of contamination levels in a particular area efficiently, reflecting average conditions rather than isolated measurements. This method is especially useful in risk assessment, where understanding overall contamination is important for determining health risks related to lead exposure. The other options do not capture the primary advantage of composite wipe sampling: while it might provide some cost benefits or detail about contamination in certain areas, the key feature is its ability to represent multiple sampling locations in one test result.