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

Infographics

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.

NEW: EPA Proposal to Strengthen Dust-Lead Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing more protective dust-lead hazard standards and dust-lead clearance levels. This factsheet summarizes the EPA's proposed changes. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed changes through October 2nd, 2023. To submit comments, visit docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0231 and click on the "Comment" button.

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)
Elevated blood lead levels among adults (pdf)
CD Summary of Elevated Childhood Lead Levels in Oregon (pdf) - May 2019

News

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

FDA: Shop Me Ca Recalls “Diep Bao Cream” Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA: SHOP ME CA THU HỒI “KEM DIỆP BẢO” VÌ CÓ THỂ NGUY CƠ CHO SỨC KHOẺ
Press release in English: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDHS/bulletins/345110c
Press release in Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): Word and PDF
Social card in Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): Word and PDF
FAQ in English: Word and PDF
FAQ in Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): PDF
Video of media availability in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VI2tdS6NNU
Video of media availability in Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaAY40Ze0Bs
Videos of Ryan Barker discussing investigation:

Video of Hai, mother of affected Multnomah County child:

With Vietnamese interpreter: https://youtu.be/Izy5JvtjEqw (adjust volume to hear interpreter's voice)
Without interpreter: https://youtu.be/ExhPIoSAw-Q

Multnomah County videos:

Images of Diep Bao cream: Image 1 (png) and Image 2 (png)
Videos and images also available on the OHA External Relations Division's Media Resources page

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.

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