PEL for lead exposure is how many micrograms per cubic meter over 8 hours?

• A. 50
• B. 25
• C. 100
• D. 75

Answer: (A)

Lead exposure PEL is the maximum average air concentration allowed over an 8-hour shift, set by OSHA. For lead, the permissible exposure limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) averaged over an 8-hour workday. That means the air concentration should be kept at or below 50 μg/m3 on average during a typical work shift. If exposure nears or exceeds this level, controls such as engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection are required, and additional requirements like monitoring or medical surveillance may apply under the lead standard. The other numbers don’t match the 8-hour PEL for lead, so 50 μg/m3 is the correct value.