What is the specified sample area size for dust wipe sampling?

What is the specified sample area size for dust wipe sampling?

• A. 1/2 to 1 square foot
• B. 5 to 10 square feet
• C. 1/10 to 1 square foot
• D. 1 to 2 square feet

Answer: (C)

Dust wipe sampling relies on wiping a defined surface area so results can be reported as lead per unit area, allowing comparison to standards. The specified size range—about one-tenth to one square foot—matches common wipe sizes used in the field, roughly 4x4 inches up to 12x12 inches. This range strikes a balance: it’s large enough to capture a representative amount of dust on the surface, but small enough to keep the measurement precise and practical for field work. If the area is too small, results can vary a lot from spot to spot and may not reflect surface contamination well. If the area is too large, you risk diluting hotspots and making it harder to relate the result to a specific surface. Keeping to this range helps ensure consistent, comparable results across surfaces and samples.

Dust wipe sampling relies on wiping a defined surface area so results can be reported as lead per unit area, allowing comparison to standards. The specified size range—about one-tenth to one square foot—matches common wipe sizes used in the field, roughly 4x4 inches up to 12x12 inches. This range strikes a balance: it’s large enough to capture a representative amount of dust on the surface, but small enough to keep the measurement precise and practical for field work. If the area is too small, results can vary a lot from spot to spot and may not reflect surface contamination well. If the area is too large, you risk diluting hotspots and making it harder to relate the result to a specific surface. Keeping to this range helps ensure consistent, comparable results across surfaces and samples.