Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) related to blood lead levels?

1. 30 ug/dL

2. 40 ug/dL

3. 25 ug/dL

4. 35 ug/dL

The correct answer is: 40 ug/dL

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) to protect workers from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Specifically, regarding blood lead levels, OSHA sets the action level at 30 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) for workers exposed to lead. This value indicates the level of blood lead concentration at which certain provisions apply, including medical surveillance and workplace controls. Understanding the significance of this PEL is crucial for maintaining worker safety and health standards. A PEL of 30 ug/dL reflects a threshold that triggers necessary actions to minimize lead exposure, ensuring that workers are monitored and that appropriate safety measures are implemented to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. This level is based on extensive research indicating that blood lead levels above this threshold can have adverse health effects. The other options present levels that are not recognized as the OSHA PEL. Blood lead levels above 30 ug/dL necessitate certain regulatory actions to protect workers, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to this established limit.