Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is acid digestion?

1. A method to dissolve paint

2. A method to extract water samples

3. A technique for detecting lead in air

4. A way to measure lead in soil

The correct answer is: A method to dissolve paint

Acid digestion is a laboratory process primarily used for the analysis of materials containing metals, including lead. It involves the use of strong acids to break down the sample's structure, effectively dissolving components so that metals can be analyzed quantitatively. This allows for the accurate measurement of lead concentration in various materials, like paint, by converting solid matrices into a liquid form that can be further analyzed using techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In the context of the choices, choosing the method to dissolve paint reflects the applicable use of acid digestion in environmental assessments, especially since lead hazards in homes often relate to lead-based paints. The other options relate to sample collections or detection methods that do not specifically involve the digestion process for sample preparation and analysis.