EPA Building Components & Lead Paint Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered a 'deteriorated paint' condition that requires remediation under the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule?
- Paint that is a different color than the trim
- Paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking (Correct answer)
- Paint that is faded from sunlight
- Paint applied more than 20 years ago
Correct answer: Paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking
Deteriorated paint — paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking — is a lead hazard requiring remediation because it can release lead dust and chips.
Question 2: What does a 'lead inspection' determine, as opposed to a 'lead risk assessment'?
- A lead inspection identifies health risks; a risk assessment determines lead content
- A lead inspection identifies the presence and location of lead-based paint; a risk assessment identifies lead hazards and recommends controls (Correct answer)
- They are identical in scope and purpose
- A lead inspection is required for new construction; a risk assessment is for older buildings
Correct answer: A lead inspection identifies the presence and location of lead-based paint; a risk assessment identifies lead hazards and recommends controls
An inspection identifies where lead-based paint is present, while a risk assessment goes further to identify lead hazards and provide recommendations for controlling them.
Question 3: Which exterior building component is commonly a high-priority surface for lead paint inspection?
- Concrete driveway
- Siding, fascia, soffits, and window exteriors (Correct answer)
- Asphalt shingles
- Vinyl gutters installed after 1985
Correct answer: Siding, fascia, soffits, and window exteriors
Exterior siding, fascia, soffits, and window components were frequently coated with lead-based paint on pre-1978 buildings and are priority inspection surfaces.
Question 4: What is the HUD definition of a 'child-occupied facility' for the purpose of lead hazard regulations?
- Any building where children are allowed entry
- A residential structure, school, or day care where a child under 6 spends 6 or more hours per week regularly (Correct answer)
- Any public building accessible to children
- A building where at least one child lives permanently
Correct answer: A residential structure, school, or day care where a child under 6 spends 6 or more hours per week regularly
HUD defines child-occupied facilities as places where children under 6 regularly spend at least 6 hours per week, such as day cares and schools, because young children are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Question 5: When performing a lead inspection in a home, how should rooms be systematically designated for documentation?
- By the owner's preferred name for each room
- By a standardized number and description (e.g., Room 1 - Living Room) consistent with floor plan diagrams (Correct answer)
- By compass direction only (north room, south room)
- Rooms do not need to be documented individually
Correct answer: By a standardized number and description (e.g., Room 1 - Living Room) consistent with floor plan diagrams
Systematic room numbering and description tied to floor plan diagrams ensures inspection reports are reproducible and can be understood by anyone who reads the report.
Question 6: After a lead inspection, what must the property owner receive?
- Only a verbal summary of findings
- A written inspection report with all findings, test results, and surface determinations (Correct answer)
- A list of recommended contractors
- An occupancy permit from the local government
Correct answer: A written inspection report with all findings, test results, and surface determinations
EPA regulations require that the property owner receive a written inspection report documenting all surfaces tested, results, and lead-based paint determinations for their records.
EPA Building Components & Lead Paint Inspection 2
Which of the following is considered a 'deteriorated paint' condition that requires remediation under the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule?