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Healthy and Safe Schools: Lead in Paint

Updated: 08.22.2023

Hazards of Lead in Paint

The Healthy and Safe Schools (HASS) Plan promotes transparency around how lead in paint is addressed by the school districts, ESDs, and charter schools. Lead in paint stopped being used in the late 1970’s, but can still be found in our schools. Children, especially younger and more vulnerable children, who put many objects in their mouths, can be susceptible to lead poisoning from chipping lead paint. Lead poisoning can cause neurological, physical, behavioral symptoms.

Because lead does not dissipate from the body, the health effects of lead ingestion are cumulative. As such, all potential sources of lead must be reduced or eliminated.

School Districts, Education Service Districts, and charter schools must state how they will comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which regulates testing, and reducing exposure to lead-based paint. The RRP Rule is federal law which is administered through Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Useful Resources

Lead in Paint Test Results

Results from Lead in Paint testing must be published within ten business days of receiving results. Schools are required to publish results in a format that is easy for parents and community members to read and understand. Results must be published in all of the following ways:

  • Posted to your website
  • Sent electronically to staff, students, parents of minor students, and other community members for whom you have email addresses
  • In print form, available to the public in your main office

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