Who should be medically monitored for lead exposure?

The correct answer pertains to the criteria for medical monitoring in relation to lead exposure. Workers who are subjected to airborne lead concentrations that exceed a specified threshold, such as 30 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), are at greater risk of adverse health effects due to lead toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to implement medical monitoring for these individuals to assess their blood lead levels and overall health.

This monitoring is critical because elevated blood lead levels can lead to serious health issues, including neurological impairment and other systemic effects. By focusing on those exposed above this threshold, it is possible to identify health risks early and take appropriate measures to protect workers’ health.

The other options fail to identify the appropriate subset of workers requiring medical monitoring. Workers exposed at action levels for any duration might suggest a broader group that can include minimal or non-threatening exposure, while monitoring only those with minimal risk does not align with the preventative health strategies recommended for lead exposure. Similarly, restricting monitoring solely to those wearing safety goggles disregards the level of lead exposure itself, which is the primary concern for health monitoring.