What is LEAD POISONING? Lead is a naturally occurring metallic element that has been mined for centuries for use in a variety of products. Lead is poisonous to humans when it gets inside our bodies. Exposure to lead can affect everyone, but it is especially dangerous for children aged six and younger. This is because children's developing brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Old lead-based paint is the most common source of lead exposure for children. Because they often put their hands and other objects in their mouths, small children are typically lead poisoned by swallowing household dust and soil contaminated with lead from old lead-based paint. LEAD POISONING CAN CAUSE: Brain and nerve damage Behavior problems Learning disabilities Slowed growth Headaches Low energy

Is My Child At Risk?

• Does your child live in or regularly visit a home, child care or other building built before 1950?
• During the past 6 months has your child lived in or regularly visited a home, child care or other building built before 1980 with recent or ongoing painting, repair, remodeling or damage?
• Does your child have a brother, sister, other relative, housemate or playmate with lead poisoning?
• Does your child spend time with an adult that has a job or hobby where they may work with lead (such as painting, remodeling, auto radiators, batteries, auto repair, soldering, making sinkers, bullets, stained glass, pottery, going to shooting ranges, hunting or fishing)?
• Do you have pottery or ceramics made in other countries or lead crystal or pewter that are used for cooking, storing or serving food or drink?
• Has your child ever used any traditional, imported or home remedies or cosmetics such as Azarcon, Alarcon, Greta, Rueda, Pay-loo-ah, or Kohl?
• Has your child been adopted from, lived in or visited a foreign country in the last 6 months?
• Do you have concerns about your child's development?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call the Leadline at 503-988-4000.

LEAD POISONING CAN AND DOES HAPPEN IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY.

The Multnomah County Health Department strives to provide vital, community-based services to those at risk for lead poisoning.

• The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly a half million American children under the age of six have dangerously elevated levels of lead in their blood. A recent MCHD study suggests that thousands of children living in our county are at risk of lead poisoning due to dangerous levels of lead in their homes. Please click here to learn more about this study.

• MCHD investigates childhood lead poisoning cases in our county. These investigations include interviews with family members, home visits and environmental testing by trained staff to determine the source or sources of lead exposure.

  How Do I Learn More?

• Our LeadLine can help you learn where lead is often found, how to control it, and what to do if you or a family member is exposed to lead. The LeadLine also provides callers with information and referrals for local lead programs and services. The LeadLine can be reached at (503) 988-4000. Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese interpreters are available on the LeadLine as needed. Please click here for more information about this service.
• MCHD offers childhood blood lead level screening for children aged 6 and under in conjunction with our childhood immunization program. Local community groups also conduct blood lead screening clinics on a regular basis. Please click here for a calendar of screening locations.
• Local agencies and community groups conduct and sponsor free lead poisoning prevention workshops and community outreach events on a regular basis. Please click here for a calendar of upcoming event dates and locations.
• Links to other resources.

Call the LEADLINE (503) 988-4000

Questions? Email the Leadline at leadline @ co.multnomah.or.us

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Lead Poisoning Information - Main Page | LeadLine | Lead Prevalence Study | Educational Resources
Lead Screening and Education Calendar | Links
MCHD Environmental Health Section
Multnomah County Health Department

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Created: March 14, 2001
Revised May 20, 2008
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