What is one limitation of visual assessments for lead paint?

Visual assessments for lead paint have a significant limitation in that they cannot determine lead levels without additional testing. Even though a trained assessor can identify areas where lead paint may be present, the visual inspection alone does not provide quantitative data on the lead content itself. This means that while an assessor may identify potential problem areas, the actual concentration of lead in the paint cannot be accurately assessed without using paint testing methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or laboratory analysis of paint samples.

Other potential limitations, such as the time it takes to conduct a visual assessment or the need for specialized training, are relevant but do not directly address the fundamental incapacity of visual methods to quantify lead levels. Additionally, visual assessments can be performed both indoors and outdoors, further highlighting the correctness of the belief that visual assessments alone cannot determine lead levels. Thus, the inability to ascertain lead concentrations accurately is the core limitation of a visual assessment for lead paint.