Final answer:
Generally, exposure reports are retained in a personnel file for about forty-five days, but the duration can be longer in cases involving radiological or noise exposures due to the latency and long-term effects of such exposures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of time an exposure report is retained in a personnel file can vary depending on the industry, regulations, and company policies. In general, the reported average time for retaining such a report is commonly around forty-five days, according to historical references such as Willcocks (1913, 1: 301). However, considering the risks associated with radiological or noise exposures, the retention period might be significantly longer to account for potential long-term effects. For instance, there is a latency period before the onset of radiation-induced cancers, which is approximately 2 years for leukemia and 15 years for most other forms. Post latency, the individual remains at risk for an additional 30 years, suggesting the need for long-term record retention. Similarly, repeated exposure to loud environments like heavy truck interiors or noisy factories can have prolonged detrimental effects, and corresponding exposure records may be kept to track and manage these occupational hazards.