NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which regulatory body typically oversees the disposal of hazardous waste like mercury-containing lamps?

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. Department of Transportation (DOT)

4. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The correct answer is: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the regulatory body that typically oversees the disposal of hazardous waste, including mercury-containing lamps. The EPA enforces laws and regulations aimed at protecting human health and the environment. This includes establishing standards for the management and disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring that such waste is handled safely to prevent harmful exposure to chemicals like mercury. The EPA's regulations specify the proper procedures for collecting, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste, ensuring that it does not contaminate land or water sources. For industries that handle mercury-containing lamps, understanding and complying with EPA regulations are crucial for environmental protection and public safety. While other agencies have important roles in workplace safety and transport regulations, they do not primarily focus on hazardous waste disposal. For instance, OSHA concentrates on worker safety and health, DOT manages transport regulations, and CPSC addresses consumer product safety. Thus, the EPA stands out as the key authority in this area.