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Oregon Health Authority

Toxic Substances

People come into contact with a range of chemicals in their daily lives

Substances can pose very different risks depending on how a person comes into contact with them, the amount that gets into their bodies, and for how long and how often this occurs.

Certain populations are more vulnerable than others to toxic substances in their environment, including:

  • Babies and children
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Elderly people
  • People with compromised immune systems (i.e. cancer, HIV/AIDS)
  • Organ transplant recipients
  • People with enzyme deficiencies
  • People with certain genetic vulnerabilities
  • Subsistence cultures
  • People with low socio-economic status

Resources


Toxic-Free Kids Act

The Toxic-Free Kids Act of 2015 requires manufacturers of children's products sold in Oregon to report products containing one or more high priority chemicals of concern for children's health if found at or above specific levels in those products. Ultimately, manufacturers are to remove these chemicals from certain products or seek a waiver.


Additional Resources