Final answer:
The permissible exposure level for lead in the workplace is set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter over an 8-hour workday, and noise levels should not exceed 85 decibels for 8-hour daily exposures without hearing protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Employers must ensure that worker's lead exposure does not exceed the permissible exposure level (PEL). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set this limit to protect workers from the harmful effects of lead. Exceeding this level can result in serious health risks. The PEL for lead exposure in the workplace is set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour workday, as mandated by OSHA's lead standard.
Additionally, regarding noise exposure, several government agencies and health-related professional associations recommend that 85 decibels (dB) not be exceeded for 8-hour daily exposures in the absence of hearing protection. This is because consistent exposure to noise at or above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage or loss. Sounds such as those inside a heavy truck or a noisy factory can reach dangerously high decibel levels, thus putting workers at risk if exposed without proper protection.