The Environment and Health Connection
Environmental Health is the connection between how our environment impacts our health. Our environment is a large place; including where we live, work, and play. Toxins in our environment, including emissions, lead, mold, chemicals and pesticides, harm our bodies.
Josiah Hill III Clinic believes that environmental justice is the equal opportunity for all community members, regardless of income or color of our skin, to live, work and play in an environment that is safe and healthy.
If you live in North/Northeast Portland, you are eligible for a free Healthy Homes Assessment from Josiah Hill Clinic. To sign up, please call us at 503.802.7389 or email our Program Coordinator Amanda at amanda@jhillclinic.org.
Quick Facts
• Locally, nearly 1 in 30 children have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
• The annual cost for a lead poisoned child’s special education is approximately $4600 (CLPP 2000, NASA 2004).
• Studies show that juvenile delinquents are five times more likely to have elevated levels of lead in their bones (Needleman 2002).
• 10% of Oregonians with asthma reported missing more than 10 days of work or other usual activities in
the past 12 months.
We’ve answered some common questions about creating and keeping a healthy home:
Preventing Lead Poisoning
What are some of the sources of lead?
Lead is found in many places which may include: lead based paint and dust, soil, childrens’ jewelry and charms, toys, lead-soldered piping, cultural sources such as home remedies or candies, glazes on pottery or dishware, or lead dust from parent’s workplaces and hobbies. According to the State of Oregon, nearly half of all investigated lead poisoning cases have been linked to recent remodeling or repainting. Lead-based paint was often used in homes that were built prior to 1978.
How do I know if my child’s toys or jewelry have lead and where can I find a list of product recalls?
Some toys and toy jewelry have been found to contain levels of lead that can pose a serious health risk to children. Unfortunately, the level of lead in toys and jewelry is not currently regulated. Parents should carefully check their child’s toys and jewelry to see if their child has any of the toys recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Click here to find current recalls due to lead. If your child has toys, jewelry, or other items that has recently been recalled, immediately remove it from your child’s environment and have your child’s blood lead level tested.
My neighbor is remodeling and I am concerned that my neighbor and/or the contractors are causing a lead hazard. What can I do?
Lead hazards can be created by: open flame burning or torching, machine sanding and grinding without containing the dust and debris, hydro blasting and pressure washing without containment, abrasive and sand blasting without containment and/or dry sanding and scraping without containment. Due to a new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, all contractors are obligated to be certified in lead safety. If concerned, be sure communicate with your neighbor. You can also report unsafe work practices.
To file a complaint or report a possible violation of the RRP rule involving a Construction Contractos Board licensed contractor:
CCB Web: www.oregon.gov/CCB/ Phone: 503-378-4621
To file a complaint concerning a non-CCB licensed individual, for instance, landlords, property management company, school or childcare facility:
DHS Oregon Public Health Division Web: http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/ Phone: 971-673-0440
I am planning to remodel and wonder how I can find a lead safe contractor? Is it safe to remodel myself?
The State of Oregon maintains both a list of certified lead based paint professionals in addition to a list of lead paint permit holders. You can access the updated lists at the State of Oregon’s lead poisoning prevention page. If you do chose to remodel yourself, review either this guide on general lead paint safety or this guide on lead-safe remodeling.
How do I know if my child or I have an elevated level of lead in our bodies?
Children and adults may be poisoned by lead or have elevated lead levels and have no obvious symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning vary person to person and may include: hyperactivity, stomach ache, irritability, trouble sleeping, reduced attention span, among others. Because the signs and symptoms can be overlooked, lead poisoning can go unrecognized. The only way to know if your child has an elevated lead level is to receive a blood lead test. Once you are aware of the lead level, you can take steps to lower the level and prevent lead poisoning.
Who should receive a blood lead test?
If you have potentially been exposed to lead you should be tested. Young children are more at risk for getting lead into their bodies since they put their hands, pacifiers, toys and many more items into their mouths. These items may have come into contact with lead paint dust or contain lead. We recommend that all children ages six and under and pregnant mothers (lead can cross the placenta and reach an unborn child) receive a blood lead test. Additionally, if your work or hobbies brings you into contact with lead we recommend receiving a test.
What does the blood lead test entail?
Josiah Hill III Clinic staff or volunteers will provide a capillary “finger-prick” test- meaning a few drops of blood will be taken through a prick of the finger. Many individuals find capillary tests to be less invasive and easiest, especially for young children. Please note, a capillary finger-prick test is a screening test. If the blood lead level from the capillary test is elevated, we strongly encourage families to confirm the level through a venous (vein) draw from your medical provider.
If my level is elevated, are there resources?
Yes. Josiah Hill III Clinic is an active member of the Lead Hazard Reduction Partnership and can provide a variety of community resources. Some resources include lead poisoning prevention workshops, renter’s rights hotlines, and grants to remove your exposure source for interim control. Further, if your level is elevated, the County can help by providing a home risk assessment and case management. Learn more at our resources page.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Here are some simple ways to make your home and environment healthier:
- Help your home breathe: Ventilate
Homes, like people, need air to breathe and be healthy. Opening windows and doors allows air to move throughout our homes. Also, turning on fans in our kitchen and bathroom when cooking and bathing reduces moisture build up that can lead to mold/mildew. - Repair Leaks
Leaks create moisture and can lead to mold/mildew. It is important homeowners prioritize making repairs and renters inform landlords. If a landlord is not being responsive, contact the Community Alliance of Tenants’ renters rights hotline at 503-288-0130. - Take the Smoke Free pledge!
Small children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of secondhand smoke. We can improve the health of our families and ourselves by not smoking. If someone is smoking it is important they do not smoke in our homes or cars but rather smoke outside away from children and neighbors. - “Leave it at the Door”
During our daily walk of life, our shoes come into contact with lots of materials. Some of the substances found on our shoes we do not want in our homes. Wiping shoes on a “welcome mat” and/or removing shoes at the door helps us leave dust, oil, pollen, etc. at the door. - Wash Children’s Hands and Pacifiers
Washing our children’s hands and items they put into their mouths frequently, such as pacifiers, helps to keep dirt that might be contaminated with lead, and pesticides off of our kids. - Get the lead out
Lead is harmful to our bodies and our children. See the notes above in the prevent lead poisoning section to learn about common sources of lead, resources about safe ways to remove lead from our environment, and how to receive a blood lead test. - Use green cleaning products
Using cleaning products that do not contain harmful pesticides and chemicals is gentler on our children’s bodies. It also helps keep our air and water clean.
Non-Toxic Cleaners
Thanks to Metro for the following recipes. To learn more about cleaners for particular rooms or flooring, visit Metro’s website.
- General cleaners
These recipes for safe and simple all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, disinfectants and hand cleaners can help you save money and protect your family and the environment. - All-purpose cleaners
Mix ingredients for each recipe in a spray bottle. Use for cleaning countertops, floors, walls, carpet and upholstery.
1. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in one quart of warm water.
2. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to between 1 cup and 1 quart of warm water.
3. Combine 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap and 3/4 cup warm water. Shake to blend. For really big jobs, combine 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/4 cup liquid soap and 2 gallons of warm water in a pail and stir to blend. - Glass cleaner
Combine 1 quart warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar or 2 tablespoons lemon juice (use both vinegar and lemon if you want the cleaning abilities of vinegar with the scent of lemons). Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Use as you would any glass cleaner (add a drop or two of essential oil for a pleasant scent). - Room/air freshener
1. Simmer cinnamon and cloves in water
2. Pour vanilla extract on a cotton ball and place in a small dish. Use in your car or home
Create a Healthy Community
We are always thrilled to hear positive feedback from the community. It makes our staff and volunteers grin from ear to ear when we are told what a great service our organization provides. There are many ways community members can join the efforts to create healthy environments, homes, and children for our Portland community. You can volunteer, make a cash donation, provide in-kind donations or services, or invite Josiah Hill III Clinic to speak to a corporate, academic, or social group of which you belong. Contact us to learn more about becoming involved.