If a surface shows lead loading above the standard, which statement is true?

• A. It must be cleaned to remove lead dust and re-evaluated
• B. It should be ignored if exposure is low
• C. It should be coated with paint to seal lead dust
• D. It should be replaced immediately without cleaning

Answer: (A)

When a surface shows lead loading above the standard, the proper step is to clean the surface to remove lead dust and then re-evaluate to confirm the levels are below the standard. This approach directly reduces exposure by physically removing contamination and provides objective proof of safety through follow-up testing. Ignoring the elevated loading isn’t safe because people could be exposed to lead. Coating with paint to seal the dust isn’t a reliable fix—coatings can wear, crack, or trap dust, and most programs require cleaning and verification rather than relying on a seal. Replacing the surface without cleaning isn’t the correct first response; cleaning and then re-testing determine whether replacement is even necessary, based on whether the area can be brought below the standard.