Lead Hazard Control Program:
Education & Resources

Lead is a poison that can cause serious health problems. Children ages 0-6 and pregnant women are most at risk. Lead can cause permanent learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. All children should be have their blood tested at ages 1 and 2. Exposure to lead can result in:

• Lowered intelligence
• Behavior problems
• Reading and learning difficulties
• Kidney and liver damage
• The effects of lead poisoning can last a lifetime.

Main Sources

Lead-based paint was used in many homes built prior to 1978. When lead-based paint is disturbed through remodeling, daily wear and tear on doors, windows and other painted surfaces, or deteriorated by age, it creates dust. It is this dust that can poison children. Even a small amount of dust can be enough to harm a child.

Homes built before 1978 contain the three main sources of lead hazards for children:

• Lead-contaminated dust
• Paint in poor condition
• Lead-contaminated soil

For more information about lead poisoning prevention, visit these links or call the LeadLine at 503-988-4000.

Lead poisoning is 100% preventable

Portland

• City of Portland Water Bureau
• Community Energy Project
  
• Growing Gardens
• Josiah Hill Clinic
  
• LeadLine
  
• Lead Dust Prevalence Study

Oregon

• Community Alliance of Tenants
  
• Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology CROETweb Lead Topic Page (English)
• Fair Housing Council
  
• State-certified lead-based paint professionals
• State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Washington

• Clark County, Washington Lead Testing

National

• Alliance for Healthy Homes
• CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
• Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
• HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
• Lead Safe Illinois
• National Center for Healthy Housing
• National Lead Information Center

LeadLine: 503-988-4000

National Lead Information Center:
800-424-LEAD (800-424-5323)