Media Release

May 13, 2008

Free Lead Hazard Test Kits Available to Local Residents

In order to raise awareness about the danger posed by lead in older homes, the Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program is offering free lead dust wipe kits to households throughout Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties.  The free kit can be ordered online at www.pdc.us/leadhazard or picked up at these participating children’s retail and resale shops.

Many homes in the Portland region built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint. According to the 2000 U.S. Census there are more than 300,000 homes, or 42 percent, built before 1969 making them even more likely to contain lead-based paint, throughout Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington Counties.  In some cities the percentage of homes built before 1969 is much higher; in Portland and Washougal the percentage is 72 percent and 48percent respectively. Click here to see a chart with city-by-city detail.

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. “Lead in household dust is the primary source of lead poisoning in children. Testing your home is the first step in preventing lead poisoning,” advises Sarah Gourde, PDC’s Lead Program Coordinator.  Even a small amount of dust can be enough to harm a child.  Lead can cause permanent learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. It is important to have children’s blood lead tested at age one and two since lead poisoning does not always show symptoms.

In addition to the free lead hazard test kits, the Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program, administered by the Portland Development Commission, offers grants of up to $10,000 to reduce lead hazards in older homes.  To qualify for the grant, homes must be located within Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah or Washington County; household income must be at or below 80percent of the area median family income ($54,300 for a family of four); a child under age six or someone pregnant must reside in the home and the property must be built prior to 1978.  For more information about either the free test kits or the grant program visit www.pdc.us/leadhazard or call 503-823-3400.

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