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Lead Poisoning in Oregon

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

English​  |  Amharic  |  Arabic  |  Farsi  |  Hindi  |  Nepali​  ​|  Pashto​  |  Somali  |  Spanish  |  Urdu​

Infographics

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​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to retailers and distributors of cookware products to inform them that certain imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, demonstrate the potential to leach lead into food and that this cookware should not be distributed or sold in the U.S. market.


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.

Contact Us   Training Calendar (pdf)   Notice of Abatement Form (pdf)  

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.
 
 
 
 

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 News

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.

Key updates include:

  • Required hazardous waste determination for LBP debris
  • TCLP vs. Total Lead Analysis guidance
  • Sampling protocols and BMPs
  • Clarification that it does not address lead-safe work practices or worker safety 

Modifying HUD's Elevated Blood Lead Level Threshold for Children Under Age 6 Who Are Living in Certain HUD-Assisted Target Housing Covered by the Lead Safe Housing Rule: HUD Federal Register (1/17/2025)

  • This notice announces the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is modifying its elevated blood lead level (EBLL) threshold under its Lead Safe Housing Rule from to 5 to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL) for a child under the age of 6, consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL.

Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels: EPA Federal Register (11/12/2024)

  • EPA has finalized its proposal to lower the dust-lead hazard standards and post-abatement clearance levels, as well as changed the nomenclature for these levels. The final rule is effective January 13, 2025. The State of Oregon must still revise rules to make these changes effective. Check this site for updates on this process. 
  • Materials from December 5, 2024 Webinar on the Final Rule to Strengthen Lead-Based Paint Dust Standards Presentation Slides from Webinar

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

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.
Oregon Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Advisory Committee presentation (10/10/2023)
High lead levels found in two tubes of Diep Bao cream used to treat eczema in babies

EPA Affirms Building Managers Responsible for Lead-Based Paint Safety Requirements When Performing Renovations

  • 1/21/2022 Press Release announcing changes affecting property management companies that manage pre-1978 housing or properties and contract renovations that could disturb lead-based paint.

FDA Safety Warning and Recalls for LeadCare Analyzers

Law Related to Demolition of Residences with Lead-Based Paint

Alerts and Recalls

Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water

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