CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What classification becomes applicable to a filter used in disposing wastewater from a lead job?

1. Class 2 Hazardous waste

2. Class 1 Hazardous waste

3. Non-hazardous waste

4. General waste

The correct answer is: Class 1 Hazardous waste

A filter used in disposing of wastewater from a lead job falls under Class 1 Hazardous waste classification. This is due to the fact that lead is a heavy metal, and when it is present in wastewater or any waste materials, it is considered highly toxic and poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Class 1 Hazardous waste includes materials that are known to have characteristics that can cause harm, such as being ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Given the toxic nature of lead, any filter that has been used to remove lead-contaminated wastewater would retain lead and thus would also be considered hazardous waste requiring careful handling and disposal procedures. The other classifications, such as non-hazardous waste and general waste, do not apply in this scenario because they pertain to materials that do not possess the toxic characteristics necessary to be classified as hazardous. Class 2 Hazardous waste typically includes substances that are less toxic than Class 1 but still require specific management practices. However, in the context of lead, the classification is more stringent, making Class 1 the appropriate designation.