What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead in air?

What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead in air?

• A. 25 µg/m3
• B. 75 µg/m3
• C. 50 µg/m3
• D. 100 µg/m3

Answer: (C)

Lead in workplace air is limited by a permissible exposure limit that is defined as an eight-hour time-weighted average. The PEL for lead is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). This means the average concentration a worker is exposed to over an entire 8-hour shift should not exceed 50 µg/m3. If exposures approach or exceed this limit, the employer must take steps to reduce them through controls, work practices, or protective equipment. There is also an action level (lower than the PEL) that triggers monitoring and program requirements, and a short-term limit for brief spikes, but the PEL itself—the measure used to judge compliance over a full shift—is 50 µg/m3. The other listed values are not the PEL.

Lead in workplace air is limited by a permissible exposure limit that is defined as an eight-hour time-weighted average. The PEL for lead is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). This means the average concentration a worker is exposed to over an entire 8-hour shift should not exceed 50 µg/m3. If exposures approach or exceed this limit, the employer must take steps to reduce them through controls, work practices, or protective equipment. There is also an action level (lower than the PEL) that triggers monitoring and program requirements, and a short-term limit for brief spikes, but the PEL itself—the measure used to judge compliance over a full shift—is 50 µg/m3. The other listed values are not the PEL.