Which practice refers to "temporarily controlling lead hazards"?

The concept of "temporarily controlling lead hazards" is best captured by the practice referred to as interim controls. This approach is essential in situations where immediate lead hazard removal cannot occur, allowing for effective management of lead exposure risks in the meantime.

Interim controls may include measures such as regular cleaning, repair of deteriorating paint, or the installation of barriers to reduce access to lead-containing materials. These methods are designed to minimize the likelihood of lead exposure while longer-term solutions, such as removal or replacement, are planned or implemented.

Understanding interim controls is crucial for risk assessors and property owners because they provide a practical response to lead hazards in environments where direct remediation may not be feasible right away. In contrast, practices like lead removal or lead replacement involve permanent elimination of lead hazards, requiring more extensive work and typically higher costs. Lead encapsulation, while addressing the hazards, involves sealing lead-painted surfaces rather than managing the risk temporarily. Thus, interim controls are an important first step in safeguarding health while addressing lead hazards comprehensively over time.