Which lead hazard is represented by surfaces that children can chew?

The correct choice identifies a specific type of lead hazard that is particularly relevant to children. Chewable surfaces are those areas that are accessible for children to place in their mouths, such as painted wooden surfaces on cribs, furniture, or toys. This is a critical concern because lead can be present in paint, and when a child chews on these surfaces, they can ingest lead, posing serious health risks.

Lead exposure is most dangerous for young children, as it can interfere with their development and lead to cognitive and physical health issues. Identifying chewable surfaces helps risk assessors target areas where intervention is needed to prevent lead poisoning.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of lead hazards that are not specifically relevant to the ability of children to chew. For example, impact surfaces are those that may be subject to damage from impact, friction surfaces involve wear due to contact and rubbing, and deteriorated paint surfaces describe areas where paint has begun to peel or chip. While these can also pose risks, they do not specifically represent the significant concern of children chewing on surfaces. Thus, recognizing chewable surfaces is essential for establishing effective lead hazard assessments and interventions in children's environments.