For how long must personal air monitoring exposure records be maintained by the employer?

The correct choice highlights the regulation surrounding the maintenance of personal air monitoring exposure records, which requires that employers keep these records for 30 years after the last date of employment. This requirement is vital for ensuring that former employees have access to their exposure data in the event of respiratory illnesses or other asbestos-related diseases that may emerge long after their employment has ended.

The duration of 30 years aligns with the understanding of asbestos-related health risks, which can take many years or decades to manifest. Keeping thorough records for this period allows for better medical monitoring and supports any potential claims of work-related illnesses.

The other timeframes mentioned do not reflect the established regulatory requirement, as personal air monitoring records specifically target the long-term risk associated with asbestos exposure, necessitating retention beyond shorter timeframes, such as 10 or 20 years. The indefinite option may sound appealing but does not align with the precise legal framework governing the preservation of exposure records. This ensures that records are maintained within a clear, regulated time period rather than perpetually without cause.