Lead Poisoning in Oregon

 News

EPA has revised the dust-lead hazard and clearance standards

• Two important revisions to 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 745 affect lead-based paint activities professionals that perform wipe sampling of settled dust for lead hazard or clearance determination. On January 6th, 2020, the dust-lead hazards for floors and interior window sills were reduced to 10 ug/ft² and 100 ug/ft², respectively. On March 8th, 2021, the clearance levels for lead in dust were reduced to 10 ug/ft² and 100 ug/ft², respectively, for floors and interior window sills. For more information, please visit this EPA website.  
  

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.
  

CDC: Update of the Blood Lead Reference Value, 2021

• The CDC has updated the BLRV to 3.5 ug/dl: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) October 29, 2021. The current definition of "lead poisoning" in Oregon is still 5 ug/dl, and child cases at this level should be investigated per OHA Disease Guidelines.
  

FDA Safety Warning and Recalls for LeadCare Analyzers

• February 23, 2022 Update: Magellan Diagnostics has announced that it resumed manufacturing and distribution of their LeadCare II test kits.
  
• CDC Health Alert Network: Expansion of Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results October 14, 2021 update
  
• Expanded Urgent Medical Device Recall for LeadCare II analyzers from Magellan Diagnostics: August 30, 2021 update
  
• U.S. FDA Statement from ongoing investigation into lead testing results using venous blood on Lead Care II analyzers: March 22, 2018 update
  
• Frequently asked questions about the 2018 safety warning (pdf)

Senate Bill 64 Amends Lead-Based Paint ORS 431A.358

• Senate Bill 64 amends Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 431A.358 to align with the Code of Federal Regulations regarding lead-based paint requirements, including the removal of language that allowed uncertified individuals to perform lead-based paint activities under the supervision of certified individuals. This change affects the work of Risk Assessors, Inspectors, and Abatement Workers and Supervisors. It does not affect Renovation. Uncertified renovators can still perform work if they receive RRP-rule required on-the-job training and are directed by a Certified Renovator.
  

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 recalls

Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water

• OAR 333-061-0400, "Reducing lead in school drinking water"
• Resources for schools, including EPA's 3Ts guidance
• Visit OHA's Healthy School Facilities website to learn about Oregon's work to reduce harmful contaminants in schools and child care facilities.

 Oregon Data

• Elevated childhood blood lead levels (pdf)
• Elevated blood lead levels among adults (pdf)
• CD Summary of Elevated Childhood Lead Levels in Oregon (pdf) - May 2019
• Memento Morbi: A Monthly Communicable Disease Summary Report
  

Resources

• Signs and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
• Lead Fact Sheet (pdf)
• OHA Certified Lead Abatement Firms (pdf)
• Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (pdf)
• Lead Awareness for Landlords (pdf)

Report unsafe work practices

Program Contacts