October 19, 2007

Lead Safe Portland Event Offers Toy Screening, Blood Testing and Lead Awareness Workshops  

Recent toy recalls have increased attention to lead poisoning, but environmental health experts note that lead-based paint is a greater health hazard. The Lead Safe Families Coalition will host a Lead Safe Portland event on Sunday, October 28 at the Matt Dishman Community Center from noon to 2:00 p.m. The event will offer free blood lead testing for children, screening of toys for lead, workshops on removing lead-based paint, free food and free wooden toys for children up to age 12.

Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead poisoning. The effects of lead poisoning can last a lifetime and may result in a loss of IQ, behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. The primary source of lead poisoning for children is lead paint and dust in homes built prior to 1978.

“Our goal in performing the toy screenings is to make people aware of the risks of lead exposure,” said Sarah Gourde, Lead Grant Program Coordinator for the Portland Development Commission. “And to let them know PDC has a grant program in place to assist lower-income homeowners with lead remediation in their homes.”

“The Josiah Hill III Clinic is offering free blood lead testing for families to help increase lead awareness,” said Erin McNally, Executive Director of the Josiah Hill III Clinic. “As children crawl, walk, and explore the world, our clinic wants to ensure the items they put into their mouths are safe and are not harming their health. These types of events are invaluable in our community.”

The Lead Safe Families Coalition partners include:

• Portland Development Commission - screening toys for lead
• Community Alliance of Tenants - distributing renters’ rights information
• Community Energy Project - lead poisoning prevention workshop
• State of Oregon Lead Prevention Program - lead-safe remodeling  workshop
• Josiah Hill III Clinic - blood lead testing
• Multnomah County Health Department – lead education and awareness

“The Multnomah County Health Department offers information and referral services for lead poisoning prevention,” says Lila Wickham, RN, Multnomah County’s Environmental Health Director. “We are pleased to partner on lead poisoning prevention activities.” 

The event is funded by the Portland Water Bureau and Portland Bureau of Housing and Community Development with support from Organically Grown Company, New Seasons Market and Milagros Boutique.  Additional information is also available by calling the Leadline at 503-988-4000. 

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