Which of the following is a common environmental substrate of lead that inspectors must assess?

Sheet rock, commonly known as drywall, is a prevalent substrate that inspectors must assess for lead. This material, widely used in construction, can contain lead-based paint if it was manufactured before the ban on lead house paint in 1978. Since lead can remain in the environment for extended periods, homes built before this date may have lead in their construction materials. The presence of lead dust, particularly in places where sheet rock might have been painted or renovated, presents a significant health risk, especially to children.

On the other hand, while plastic, paper, and glass can be found in various household items, they are not typically associated with lead risk in the context of residential inspection. These materials do not serve as common substrates for lead paint or lead contamination in homes, which makes sheet rock the primary focus for lead assessments. Assessing sheet rock is crucial in determining lead exposure potential in residential settings, guiding appropriate risk management strategies.