Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family dwellings must be abated if the lead content meets thresholds measured by XRF or lab methods.

Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family dwellings must be abated if the lead content meets thresholds measured by XRF or lab methods.

• A. ≥1.0 mg/cm2 by XRF or ≥0.5% (5000 ppm) by lab methods
• B. ≥2.0 mg/cm2 by XRF or ≥1% (10000 ppm) by lab methods
• C. ≥0.1 mg/cm2 by XRF or ≥0.05% by lab methods
• D. ≥0.5 mg/cm2 by XRF or ≥0.25% by lab methods

Answer: (A)

This item tests the trigger for abatement based on measured lead content. In pre-1978 dwellings, abatement is required when the paint meets specific lead thresholds, whether checked on site with XRF or confirmed by lab analysis. The accepted screen thresholds are 1.0 mg of lead per square centimeter when using XRF, or 0.5% lead by weight (which is 5000 ppm) in lab analysis. Those values are the points at which the paint is considered hazardous and subject to abatement. XRF provides a quick, non-destructive surface reading to gauge lead loading per area, while lab methods give a precise weight percentage of lead in the paint. If either test meets or exceeds these thresholds, abatement is required. The other options propose thresholds that are either higher or lower than the standard EPA-abatement triggers, which is why they’re not the correct choice.

This item tests the trigger for abatement based on measured lead content. In pre-1978 dwellings, abatement is required when the paint meets specific lead thresholds, whether checked on site with XRF or confirmed by lab analysis. The accepted screen thresholds are 1.0 mg of lead per square centimeter when using XRF, or 0.5% lead by weight (which is 5000 ppm) in lab analysis. Those values are the points at which the paint is considered hazardous and subject to abatement.

XRF provides a quick, non-destructive surface reading to gauge lead loading per area, while lab methods give a precise weight percentage of lead in the paint. If either test meets or exceeds these thresholds, abatement is required. The other options propose thresholds that are either higher or lower than the standard EPA-abatement triggers, which is why they’re not the correct choice.