What should be the primary focus of a lead risk assessment in residential settings?

The primary focus of a lead risk assessment in residential settings is lead-based paint hazards. This is because lead-based paint, commonly found in buildings painted before 1978, poses a significant risk for lead exposure, particularly to young children who may ingest lead dust or chips.

Identifying and evaluating lead hazards enables assessors to determine the potential risk of lead exposure and take appropriate steps to mitigate these hazards, which is crucial for protecting the health of occupants, especially vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. This involves thorough visual inspections, sampling of paint and dust, and evaluating the condition of painted surfaces.

While lead exposure history, occupant demographics, and property value assessment can provide useful context during a risk assessment, they are secondary to directly assessing the presence of lead hazards in the environment. Understanding demographic factors and historical exposure can inform risk management strategies, but without first addressing the immediate hazards of lead-based paint, the assessment cannot fully protect occupants from the risks associated with lead exposure.