What are interim controls designed to do?

Interim controls are specifically designed to implement a set of measures that mitigate or reduce temporary exposure to lead hazards rather than eliminate them entirely. These controls are crucial for situations where immediate removal of lead hazards might not be feasible, allowing for a practical approach to protect occupants, especially children, from lead exposure.

Interim controls can include activities such as regular cleaning, maintenance of lead-painted surfaces, and encapsulation techniques, which help manage lead dust and deterioration safely. This approach provides a temporary solution that is essential in maintaining safety while planning for permanent solutions like lead hazard removal.

In contrast, the other options suggest measures that either imply complete removal of lead hazards or focus solely on surface cleaning, which does not encompass the broader scope of what interim controls aim to achieve. They emphasize the importance of managing risks associated with lead hazards in a feasible and proactive manner.