What should you ask yourself when taking dust samples?

When determining whether to take dust samples, considering if either high or moderate risk deleading occurred is crucial. When deleading a property, the process involves cleaning and removing lead hazards that could leave dust residue behind. Assessing the risk level involves understanding the history of lead exposure and mitigation efforts undertaken in the property. Knowing whether high or moderate risk deleading has occurred informs you about the potential for lead dust presence and contamination levels, directly impacting your sampling strategy.

This assessment helps ensure that the sampling methodology is appropriate for the risk level present, leading to more accurate results. Additionally, it allows the inspector to mitigate exposure risks effectively, providing more accurate data for risk assessment and subsequent remediation needs.

While factors like recent construction, weather suitability, and visibility of dust are important considerations, they do not directly address the history and context of lead exposure relevant to dust sampling in a given location, making the consideration of deleading risks paramount.