What does the testing combination consist of in lead risk assessment?

The testing combination in lead risk assessment focuses specifically on the physical presence of lead within various components of a building. This involves assessing building components, which are the structural parts that make up the property, as well as the substrates, which are the underlying materials that can hold lead paint or lead-based substances, and the paint itself, which is a direct source of lead contamination if it deteriorates.

Addressing these three areas—building components, substrates, and paint—is essential because they can be significant sources of lead exposure, particularly in homes built before 1978 when lead-based paints were commonly used. Comprehensive testing in these categories helps to identify the locations of potential lead hazards, enabling appropriate risk management strategies to be developed.

Other choices may address aspects related to exposure or environmental assessments but do not encapsulate the specific combination of components typically emphasized within the context of a lead risk assessment. For instance, while air samples, surface samples, and soil samples are important for assessing overall environmental lead exposure, they do not focus on the specific risks tied to painted surfaces in a building. Similarly, existing coatings and historical data may provide context but lack the direct examination of the materials that could pose a risk in the present environment.