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Research & Education Services
Publications & Reports
Recent publications and reports of Research & Education Services are listed below:

Air quality
On August 7, 2009, the Environmental Health Assessment Program in the Oregon Public Health Division and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality delivered this power point presentation to a state legislative workgroup focused on air quality. The purpose of this presentation was to provide information about the value of environmental public health in general, while addressing specific concerns about local air pollutants.
Presentation: Air Quality Workgroup (pdf)
 

Arsenic
A poster was developed in response to high levels of arsenic that has been found in some well water in the Sutherlin Valley. We encourage all well owners to test their wells. Arsenic was recently added to the list of required tests whenever a real estate transaction occurs involving property that has a domestic well.
Arsenic and Your Health (pdf)
 

Beach advisories
Beach water along Oregon’s coastline is regularly tested and monitored for the presence of fecal bacteria. High levels of certain bacteria are correlated to swimming-associated illnesses. When high levels of certain bacteria are detected, advisories and closing are be issued to protect potential swimmers.
 
The latest data about beach advisories and closing for the 2008 swimming season in Oregon is available below.
2008 Beach Notification Summary (pdf)
 

Fish advisories
Fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and nutrients. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week to provide health benefits for your heart and brain. Fish consumption guidelines are designed to help you choose fish that are low in mercury, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and other contaminants that could be harmful to your health. Click on the link below for a complete list of fish advisories in Oregon.
Fish advisories in Oregon
 

Harmful algae blooms
Harmful algae blooms occur when tiny, microscopic plants grow quickly in marine and fresh waters, using up oxygen and releasing toxins. These toxins can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans. Over the past few decades there has been an increase in harmful algae blooms across the globe. To learn more about harmful algae and how to protect yourself from getting sick, click on the brochure below.
Harmful algae blooms: A public health concern (pdf)
 

Occupational health
People spend a significant amount of their time in the workplace. Throughout a person’s work life, they might perform activities and duties and/or be exposed to substances that can cause work-related injuries, illnesses, and even death. The Occupational Health in Oregon report provides information about the number and proportion of workers in the state that experienced certain injuries and illnesses (i.e., musculoskeletal disorders, burn injuries, lead or pesticide poisonings, asthma, pneumoconiosis, and mesothelioma) or suffered fatal work-related injuries. In addition, the report illustrates that certain groups of workers (women, young and older workers) suffered higher rates of work-related injury or illness throughout the period. To access the report, click below. 
Occupational Health in Oregon (pdf)
 

PBDE flame retardants
PBDE’s (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) are man-made chemicals that are often added to foam padding, plastics or fabrics so they won’t catch on fire or burn as easily if they are exposed to flame or high heat. These flame retardants can be found in computer plastics, toys, food packaging, upholstered furniture, clothing, appliances and other products. They do not breakdown quickly and remain in the environment for a long time. Recently, concerns have been raised about the health effects of exposure to PBDE's. The fact sheet below provides information about what is currently known about PBDE's and what can be done to reduce your exposure to PBDE's.
About PBDE Flame Retardants (pdf)
 

Pesticides
Pesticides can make adults and children sick if they are improperly used. The Pesticide Exposure Safety & Tracking Program developed four brochures with simple steps any person can take to safely handle and use pesticides.

 
Page updated: November 04, 2009

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