Preventing Exposure to Lead in Schools (K-12) and Child Care

Reducing lead in school drinking water

NEW: Final Rule OAR 333-061-0400, "Reducing lead in school drinking water"

Resources for schools, including EPA's 3Ts guidance

Visit OHA's Healthy School Facilities website to learn about Oregon's work to reduce harmful contaminants in schools and child care facilities

You play an important role in ensuring the safety of children in your care.

Prevent children's exposure to lead

Lead poisoning is one of the leading environmental diseases affecting young children. Lead can cause permanent brain damage, reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavior problems.

Reducing or preventing exposure to environmental hazards in schools and child care is important. Children spend a significant amount of time in these facilities and are more vulnerable to the health effects of lead and other hazards.

The most common lead hazards in schools and child care are lead-based paint, lead dust and contaminated soil.
Renovation, repair and maintenance of older schools, if not performed correctly, can create hazardous lead dust and debris by disturbing lead-based paint.

As a school or child care administrator, you can take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care. Check out the resources on this page to learn more.

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care: Lead Testing website

For more information:

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (English)

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (Chinese)

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (Spanish)

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (Russian)

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (Vietnamese)

Lead-Safe Child Care brochure (Arabic)

Oregon's Choose Safe Places program website: a non-regulatory statewide initiative designed to help childcare centers make their properties safe for kids by protecting them from potentially harmful chemicals.