NEHA Housing and Built Environment 3

Question 1

Which federal agency enforces the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requiring certified contractors in pre-1978 residential housing?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

The EPA enforces the Lead RRP Rule under TSCA Section 402(c), requiring that contractors who disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes be certified and follow lead-safe work practices.

Question 2

Overcrowding in housing is most commonly defined by environmental health standards as more than how many persons per room?

Accepted Answer

1 person per room

Answer

HUD and the Census Bureau define overcrowding as more than 1 person per room (excluding bathrooms), and severe overcrowding as more than 1.5 persons per room.

Question 3

Which ventilation principle explains why radon enters homes through foundation cracks due to the pressure difference between indoor air and soil gas?

Accepted Answer

Stack effect (thermal buoyancy)

Answer

The stack effect creates lower air pressure inside a home relative to soil gas pressure, drawing radon-laden soil gas through foundation cracks and openings into the living space.

Question 4

Secondhand smoke in residential environments is classified by the EPA as which category of carcinogen?

Accepted Answer

Group A (known human carcinogen)

Answer

The EPA classifies environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) as a Group A known human carcinogen based on sufficient epidemiological evidence of lung cancer causation.

Question 5

A visual assessment of a pre-1978 home for lead hazards focuses primarily on identifying which condition of painted surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Deteriorated paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking)

Answer

Visual assessments identify deteriorated paint conditions such as peeling, chipping, chalking, and cracking because these create lead dust and paint chip hazards accessible to children.

NEHA - National Environmental Health Association Practice Test

NEHA - National Environmental Health Association Practice Test

NEHA Housing and Built Environment 3