If you test peeling painted paneling and receive a reading of 0.5 mg/cm², what should you do next?

When dealing with a reading of 0.5 mg/cm² for peeling painted paneling, the most appropriate next step is to test the paneling with sodium sulfide. This testing method is particularly relevant in the context of lead-based paint because sodium sulfide can help to confirm the presence of lead in paint by producing a color change when lead is present. Conducting this additional test not only helps verify the initial reading but also ensures that any actions taken afterward are informed by accurate and reliable information.

Considering the context, a reading of 0.5 mg/cm² indicates a significant level of lead that could pose health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. This makes it vital to accurately assess the situation before deciding on further actions.

While attempting to ignore the reading would neglect the potential hazards associated with lead exposure, and removing the paneling without further assessment could lead to improper handling of lead-containing materials, conducting a full home lead assessment would typically be more extensive than necessary at this point. Testing the paneling with sodium sulfide addresses the specific situation effectively by confirming the presence of lead and guiding the next steps based on the outcomes of that test.