Which of the following best describes the main goal of interim controls?

The primary purpose of interim controls is to reduce the likelihood of exposure to lead hazards on a temporary basis. These measures are designed to manage known lead paint hazards or lead-contaminated dust in a way that protects individuals, particularly children, from the immediate risks associated with lead exposure. Interim controls may include actions such as sealing lead paint, providing clean-up of lead dust, and implementing safe work practices to ensure that potential hazards do not pose a risk while longer-term solutions are developed or implemented.

Unlike the notion of eradicating lead paint entirely, which requires more extensive remediation efforts, interim controls are not intended as permanent solutions. They provide a necessary stop-gap measure that allows for safety while further assessments and more comprehensive strategies are being organized. Monitoring lead levels indefinitely is also not the main goal of interim controls; rather, it focuses on immediate risk reduction. Thus, the goal is distinctly about managing exposure risks, highlighting the importance of protective measures while longer-term actions are being planned or executed.