CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Under what exposure level are coveralls replaced daily?

1. 50 - 100 μg/m3

2. 100 - 150 μg/m3

3. More than 200 μg/m3

4. Any detectable level of lead

The correct answer is: More than 200 μg/m3

Coveralls are replaced daily when the exposure level exceeds 200 μg/m3 due to the significant risk of lead contamination at this concentration. At higher exposure levels, protective barriers like coveralls become crucial for preventing lead dust and particles from being transferred to the skin and other surfaces. The aim is to minimize the risk of lead absorption into the body, which can have severe health effects. When exposures are above this threshold, the potential for lead to accumulate in clothing increases, necessitating frequent replacement to maintain effective protection and reduce the risk of environmental contamination. This practice is part of proper safety protocols under OSHA and other regulatory guidelines to ensure worker safety in lead exposure scenarios. In contrast, lower exposure levels may have different requirements for protective equipment usage and maintenance, reflecting less immediate risk.