Lead Poisoning in Oregon

Product testing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state programs continues to identify elevated levels of lead in ground cinnamon products. The FDA updated the list of recalled cinnamon products on 11/7/2025. This list, along with product photos, can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead

On 12/9/2025, FDA shared a recall notice for Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder (best before date 9/15/2027). Testing in New York revealed elevated levels of lead in the product. According to the FDA, this brand of cinnamon was distributed to retailers such as grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, deli's, bakeries, and restaurants in 14 states including Oregon. Consumers are urged not to consume the product and may contact the company at 718-444-5556, Monday - Friday, from 8AM-5PM Eastern time.

Health officials are warning families to avoid dangerous products and get kids tested

Alarming levels of lead have been found in traditional cosmetics used in Hindu and Muslim religious practices and South and Southeast Asian cultures. High lead levels have also been found in the spice turmeric, particularly in smaller batches brought in from overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lead in Traditional Cosmetics and Turmeric

Infographics

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food. Some types of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium have been tested by FDA and state partners, and have demonstrated the potential to leach lead under conditions designed to mimic their use in contact with food.

Seattle & King County Public Health: Cookware that released lead above the FDA’s recommended daily intake levels

Lead poisoning prevention tips

Lead poisoning is a significant environmental health problem.

Laws and regulations are in place to protect people; however lead poisoning is still a risk for many Oregonians, especially children. The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program enforces state regulations, oversees professional training and certification, and responds to concerns about lead and its effect on public health.

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-017 and 333-018 Amended Effective 10/26/2023

These amendments include a replacement of the term "lead poisoning" with "blood lead level at or above the blood lead reference value", and a reduction in the case definition from 5 ug/dL to 3.5 ug/dL.
This amendment aligns Oregon with the CDC's Blood Lead Reference Value.

Lead Poisoning and Exposure

Training and Certification

Laws and Regulations

Partners and Providers

Oregon Data

Memento Morbi: A Monthly Communicable Disease Summary Report (most current case data available)
Elevated childhood blood lead levels (pdf) (See pg. 100 of the Oregon State Health Assessment)
Elevated blood lead levels among adults (pdf)
CD Summary of Elevated Childhood Lead Levels in Oregon (pdf) - May 2019

News

Notice of Proposed Permanent Rulemaking – OAR chapter 333, divisions 67, 69 and 70, "Adoption of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Revised Dust-Lead Standards by Reference": The Oregon Health Authority (Authority), Public Health Division, is proposing to permanently amend Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) in chapter 333, divisions 67, 69 and 70 relating to federal regulations adopted by reference for the Oregon Lead-Based Paint Program. Effective January 13, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lowered the dust-lead levels for standards previously know as "hazards" and "clearance", and renamed these as Dust-Lead Reportable Levels and Dust-Lead Action Levels. The Authority's Lead-Based Paint Program must update its rules to align with EPA's changes no later than January 11, 2027.

You are invited to review and comment on the proposed amended rules. You may file written comments before 5:00 PM PDT on September 21, 2026, by submitting them to the Public Health Division Rules Coordinator at publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Written comments may also be sent by mail to the following mailing address and must be postmarked by September 21, 2026:

OHA, Public Health Division
Brittany Hall, Administrative Rules Coordinator
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 930
Portland, Oregon 97232

You may also send comments by fax to (971) 673-1299.

Final rules will be filed after consideration of all comments.

If you have any questions or would prefer to be sent a hardcopy, please contact Ryan Barker at ryan.s.barker@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 953-5432.

Additional reference materials from the EPA that describe these changes are linked below.

Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels: EPA Federal Register (11/12/2024)
Materials from December 5, 2024 Webinar on the Final Rule to Strengthen Lead-Based Paint Dust Standards Presentation Slides from Webinar
EPA website for more details: https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazard-standards-and-clearance-levels-lead-paint-dust-and-soil-tsca-sections-402-and-403

DEQ’s recently updated (March 2025) fact sheet on the disposal of building demolition debris containing lead-based paint: This revised document offers clearer regulatory expectations and practical tools for making hazardous waste determinations. It's designed for use by demolition contractors, consultants, and local government staff.

Oregon State University Research on Lead-Sheathed Telephone Cables

A helpful resource for identifying these cables and ways to reduce possible lead exposure from underlying bare soil

High lead levels found in two tubes of Diep Bao cream used to treat eczema in babies

Law Related to Demolition of Residences with Lead-Based Paint

Senate Bill 871 (2017) allows any city in Oregon to establish a program by ordinance that requires individuals and contractors to follow certain best practices when demolishing pre-1978 residences.
The bill also requires contractors to submit proof of holding one of four certifications as defined in OAR333-068.
Best Practices (pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)

Alerts and Recalls

Find links to current lead poisoning alerts and product recall

Resources

Report unsafe work practices

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board licenses "Lead Safe" contractors for home renovation, repair or painting.

CCB Lead Safe Contractors

Program Contacts