What test is used by the state of California to characterize lead waste if it fails the TTLC?

The correct answer is that the test used by the state of California to characterize lead waste if it fails the Total Threshold Limit Concentration (TTLC) is the Short Term Lethality Concentration (STLC).

The TTLC is a screening mechanism that determines if a waste material can be classified as hazardous due to its concentration of certain contaminants, including lead. If a waste sample exceeds the TTLC levels for lead, further testing is needed. The STLC test is employed specifically to assess the leachability of hazardous substances from waste materials within a short term, thus providing critical information about whether the contaminated material should be treated as hazardous.

Understanding this testing hierarchy is essential for compliance with state regulations regarding waste management and public health protection, as it determines how hazardous a material is and the appropriate steps that must be taken to mitigate its impacts.