When conducting a lead inspection, which areas should be prioritized?

Prioritizing areas with deteriorating paint and high traffic zones during a lead inspection is essential because these locations are more likely to present lead hazards. Deteriorating paint may not only indicate the potential presence of lead-based paint—common in homes built before 1978—but also increases the risk of lead dust and chips being released into the environment. High traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, often experience more wear and tear, which can lead to greater degradation of painted surfaces and an increased chances of exposure to lead.

Additionally, since children typically spend more time in these high traffic areas and may be more susceptible to lead poisoning, focusing inspections here allows for more effective identification and mitigation of risks. While other areas like basements, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms may also require scrutiny, they do not inherently present the same immediate risk factors associated with deteriorating surfaces and human activity as prioritized locations do.