Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County Resources on Air Quality
The finding of arsenic, cadmium and hexavalent chromium in the air of several Portland neighborhoods has raised concerns for many Portland residents, elected officials and community organizers. The discovery came from the U.S. Forest Service testing tree moss. Their study is not yet complete and the maps of all pollution hot spots have not been publicly released. However, the Oregonian has built maps of arsenic, lead and nickel hot spots around the city based on some of the moss data.
In response to public outcry, the Oregon Health Authority is working with the Department of Environmental Quality and the Multnomah County Health Department to investigate and provide community members with reliable information on the issue.
Below are some of the key publications / documents they have made available:
- OHA Director’s testimony on air toxics (2/23/2016)
- Updates from DEQ and maps of affected areas
- FAQ: Air toxins and your health
- OHA Cancer Incidence Evaluation SE Portland, 2009-2013
- Chair Deborah Kafoury, Mayor Charlie Hales letter to Gov. Kate Brown
- Complete video of community open house on air quality, Cleveland High School (2/9/2016)
For community members wanting to organize and learn more, we suggest the following three resources: