Air and Soil Quality Improving in Portland Says State

The air is getting better in Southeast Portland and North Portland - sites where two glass manufacturers had been emitting heavy metals.

That's the news from officials from the state's Department of Environmental Quality and Health Authority.

"Today's information marks another important step in understanding the impact heavy metals released by glass companies have had on the surrounding neighborhoods," the director of the Oregon Health Authority, Lynne Saxton, said. "We will continue to test and analyze environmental data."

The emissions became an issue when The Portland Mercury broke the news that a study by the United States Forest Service of moss in the area around the factories showed elevated levels of metals such as arsenic, chromium and cadmium.

It turned out that the officials had known about the problem for months but had not told the public.

Both companies agreed to change their manufacturing processes.

Soon after the disclosure, the head of DEQ stepped aside, citing "health concerns."

David Farrer, Ph.D., toxicologist in the Environmental Public Health Section at the OHA Public Health Division, said none of the air concentrations collected by DEQ's monitors approached the 24-hour screening levels gathered from around the country.

"This means that current air concentrations monitored are not posing an urgent or immediate public health risk," Farrer said.

Officials did say that 316 people - most of whom in Multnomah County, tested for Cadmium. Ten came back positive. 2 children and 8 adults.

Officials said that there has been no elevated levels of cancer in the areas around the glass plants.

The interim director of DEQ, Joni Hammond, said while the new results focus on the areas around the two glass factories - Bullseye in Southeast Portland and Uroboros in North Portland - they are looking at the issue of air toxics around the state.

"I want the public to know that while we are focused on these two Portland areas today, DEQ and OHA are committed to working with Oregonians to address air toxics from industrial sources across the state," Hammond said.