What is OSHA's occupational lead action level?

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Multiple Choice

What is OSHA's occupational lead action level?

The concept being tested is the threshold that triggers OSHA-required protective measures for lead exposure in the workplace. For airborne lead, OSHA sets the action level at 30 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (30 µg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This level is intentionally below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 to prompt earlier intervention, such as exposure assessments, controls, and medical surveillance, before exposures approach the higher limit. The measurement is an air concentration (µg/m3), not a blood or liquid concentration, so 30 µg/m3 is the standard action level.

The concept being tested is the threshold that triggers OSHA-required protective measures for lead exposure in the workplace. For airborne lead, OSHA sets the action level at 30 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (30 µg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This level is intentionally below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 to prompt earlier intervention, such as exposure assessments, controls, and medical surveillance, before exposures approach the higher limit. The measurement is an air concentration (µg/m3), not a blood or liquid concentration, so 30 µg/m3 is the standard action level.

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