PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD

Agencies in Oregon team up to protect children from dangers of lead

Every year, Oregon children are exposed to dangerous levels of lead in their homes. For some, that exposure will result in slow growth and development, behavior and learning problems, or health effects such as kidney or liver damage. 

To commemorate National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week a coalition of public agencies and

non-profits work together to raise awareness that lead can harm young children, that lead poisoning is preventable, and that help is available. The campaign is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Multnomah County Health Department, the Community Energy Project, the Josiah Hill III Clinic, Portland Development Commission, the City of Portland's Water Bureau and Bureau of Housing and Community Development.

Lead Dust

Although lead poisoning declined after lead was eliminated from paint, and gasoline, many children are still exposed to dangerous amounts of lead. Many people think lead is a problem only in deteriorating homes with old, chipped paint, but lead dust is the main cause of lead poisoning, and it is common inside and outside homes built before 1978. Many families are remodeling or painting older homes and may be exposing their children to lead without realizing it.

Nearly half of all the investigations for childhood lead poisoning in Oregon found that remodeling or repainting was the likely source of exposure. The greatest risk is in homes built before 1950. Every county in Oregon has homes built before 1950 that may contain leaded paint, and lead-based paint is not the only source of exposure, so the risk of exposure is real throughout the state.

Other Lead Hazards

Pregnant women and families with children younger than six should take special care to avoid exposure to lead. The first step is to identify lead hazards in the home. While chipping paint, dust, and contaminated soil are common lead sources, other sources include household plumbing with lead solder that can leach lead into drinking water, painted toys and furniture, lead-glazed ceramic ware and some home remedies.

Testing Blood Lead Levels

In Oregon, approximately 2,000-3,000 children may have blood lead levels at or above the lead poisoning level of 10 micrograms per deciliter. Many more children have borderline levels of lead that are not high enough to be termed 'poisoning', but not low enough to be considered safe. Recent research indicates that even low levels of lead in the blood may contribute to lowered intelligence later in life. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized.

The only way to test for lead poisoning is by asking your health care provider for a blood lead test.

Call the Leadline for more info: 1.800.368.5060. (Portland Area: 503-988-4000)