What assessment method is commonly used to evaluate lead exposure in homes?

The assessment method commonly used to evaluate lead exposure in homes is lead inspection. This method is specifically designed to identify the presence of lead-based paint and related hazards within residential properties. Conducting a lead inspection involves a thorough examination of the home, where trained professionals utilize various tools and techniques to detect lead. This can include visual assessments, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment, or lab analysis of paint samples.

Lead inspections are crucial because they provide homeowners and residents with an understanding of lead hazards that may exist in their living environment, allowing for informed decisions about remediation and safety measures.

While health screening is important for identifying individuals affected by lead exposure, and soil analysis and air sampling can contribute to a broader environmental assessment, they do not specifically address the lead hazards in a residential structure as directly and comprehensively as lead inspections do. Thus, for evaluating lead exposure in homes, lead inspection is the most appropriate method.