Which surfaces are commonly tested in pre-1978 housing during a lead inspection?

• A. Unpainted wooden surfaces.
• B. Non-painted metal surfaces.
• C. Interior and exterior painted surfaces such as walls, trim, doors, windows, sills, and porches.
• D. Only windows and doors.

Answer: (C)

Testing in pre-1978 housing focuses on surfaces that were commonly coated with lead-based paint and are most likely to shed lead dust or chips into living spaces. Painted interior and exterior surfaces—such as walls, trim, doors, windows, sills, and porches—are routinely examined because these areas were widely painted with lead-based coatings and are frequently disturbed, damaged, or exposed to weathering. Unpainted wooden or non-painted metal surfaces are less likely to have lead paint, so they’re not the primary targets unless there is a reason to suspect prior painting in those spots. Limiting testing to only windows and doors would miss other heavily painted areas, which is why the full set of interior and exterior painted surfaces is tested.