When should a lead hazard screen be employed?

A lead hazard screen is a preliminary assessment tool used to determine the presence of lead-based hazards in a home. It is particularly focused on identifying potential lead exposure risks, which are most prevalent in homes built before 1978 when the use of lead-based paint was banned in residential properties.

The correct answer indicates that a lead hazard screen should be employed specifically in post-1960 housing that is in good condition. This can be understood considering that while homes built after 1960 are less likely to contain lead-based paint, they may still pose risks if any maintenance or renovations disturb existing lead-based paint from earlier periods. The screening is vital to assess whether there are lead hazards, especially if the home has been maintained well, as previous renovations may have been conducted without proper lead-safe practices.

In contrast, employing a lead hazard screen in any housing regardless of age does not align with the targeted criteria established for assessing lead risks, since newer homes built after 1978 are generally exempt from lead concerns. Utilizing it solely for homes built before 1960 would exclude valuable assessments in homes from the later periods that may still have lead issues. Lastly, focusing solely on housing undergoing major renovations ignores the fact that minor disturbances can also lead to lead exposure if existing lead