Which statement best describes the phase-out objective?

• A. Maintain lead exposure levels.
• B. Expand lead use.
• C. Delay regulation.
• D. Eliminate lead exposure sources.

Answer: (D)

Phase-out means removing something completely from use and stopping people from being exposed to it. In the context of lead, the goal is to get rid of all the sources of lead exposure so people aren’t exposed to it at all or at levels as close to zero as possible. That’s why eliminating lead exposure sources is the best description of a phase-out objective. By contrast, maintaining exposure levels keeps risk, expanding use creates more exposure, and delaying regulation slows protection, all of which run counter to a phase-out goal.