Portland Air Quality: Oregon Health Authority Forming Advisory Committees

The Oregon Health Authority will conduct two Public Health Assessments in response to what they call "significant community concerns about health risks" related to heavy metal emissions from two glass manufacturers.

The assessments - centered around The Bullseye Glass Company and Uroboros Glass - will be based on soil and air data collected near the facilities.

The assessments will be conducted by the health authority's Environmental Health Assessment Program.

The health authority says these are not community health studies that would determine whether existing health issues are caused by the emissions.

"We welcome community members as partners in our work," said Julie Early Sifuentes, EHAP program manager. "We understand that meaningful engagement in the process by those most affected by this issue allows for concerns to be adequately addressed, builds community capacity, establishes transparency and creates better outcomes."

A community advisory committee will be set up for each site.

Each committee will have from three to five meetings lasting about two hours long.

EHAP is seeking:
* Seven to 10 volunteers who live, work, learn or play within a half-mile of Bullseye or Uroboros glass facilities.
* Individuals who can commit to attending every meeting.
* A diversity of experience and perspectives.
* Individuals who are at greatest risk from the effects of environmental contamination, including pregnant and nursing women, parents or guardians of children, minorities, the elderly, those who are low-income, and those with existing health conditions.

Community members interested in participating in either advisory group can call 971-673-0970 or email Ehap.info@state.or.us by May 17.