PHAs and IHAs must abate lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments that meet which thresholds?

PHAs and IHAs must abate lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments that meet which thresholds?

• A. Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments equal to or greater than 1.0 mg/cm2 using XRF, or 0.5% (5000 ppm) using lab methods
• B. Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments equal to or greater than 2.0 mg/cm2 using XRF
• C. Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments equal to or greater than 0.1 mg/cm2 using XRF, or 0.05% by weight
• D. Lead-based paint in pre-1978 family developments equal to or greater than 1.5 mg/cm2 using XRF

Answer: (A)

The threshold that triggers abatement for PHAs and IHAs looks at lead in two ways to catch hazards both in the field and in the lab. If XRF testing shows a surface concentration of lead at or above 1.0 mg per square centimeter, that surface must be abated. If lab analysis of paint samples shows lead at 0.5% by weight (which is 5000 parts per million) or more, abatement is also required. Using either method ensures a significant lead exposure risk is addressed. This combination matters because XRF is a quick field screen, while lab results provide a precise confirmatory measure. The values given—1.0 mg/cm2 by XRF or 0.5% lead by weight in lab tests—are the thresholds that mean action is needed to protect residents, especially children. Other options propose thresholds that are higher or lower, or rely on only one testing method, and do not align with these standard trigger levels.

The threshold that triggers abatement for PHAs and IHAs looks at lead in two ways to catch hazards both in the field and in the lab. If XRF testing shows a surface concentration of lead at or above 1.0 mg per square centimeter, that surface must be abated. If lab analysis of paint samples shows lead at 0.5% by weight (which is 5000 parts per million) or more, abatement is also required. Using either method ensures a significant lead exposure risk is addressed.

This combination matters because XRF is a quick field screen, while lab results provide a precise confirmatory measure. The values given—1.0 mg/cm2 by XRF or 0.5% lead by weight in lab tests—are the thresholds that mean action is needed to protect residents, especially children.

Other options propose thresholds that are higher or lower, or rely on only one testing method, and do not align with these standard trigger levels.