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Uroboros Glass Company

North Portland, Oregon

Urobotos BuildingEHAP developed a Public Health Assessment (PHA) for the community surrounding the Uroboros Glass facility in North Portland. The PHA evaluates environmental data collected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), to better understand the long-term health risks from emissions. In early 2017, Uroboros glass stopped manufacturing at this location. The Public Health Assessment was released in 2018 for public comment.

On May 31st, 2019, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) completed its review of the final version of the Public Health Assessment.

Public Health Assessment Uroboros Glass Manufacturing Site 2018.pdfPublic Health Assessment Uroboros Glass Manufacturing Site

Findings

The levels of metals in soil and air are too low to harm people's health. To read more, see the full Public Health Assessment Final Release.

Uroboros Glass Public Health Assessment Summary Fact Sheet

Background Information

A study by the United States Forest Service (USFS) analyzed moss samples collected around Portland, for concentrations of heavy metals. USFS found cadmium, a top concern of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), at the highest concentrations near two glass manufacturing facilities (Bullseye and Uroboros). It isn't known how moss concentrations correlate to air concentrations that people actually breathe. After high levels of metals were detected in the air at the Bullseye Glass facility, DEQ placed air monitors near Uroboros. Community groups, DEQ, Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division (OHA-PHD) leadership, and the Governor of Oregon asked for a public health assessment.


Community Engagement

EHAP convened a series of three Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings, made up of residents who live and/or work within a half mile of Bullseye. These meetings have been designed to:

  1. Receive input and feedback from the local residents into the exposure assumption and scenarios that will be used in the PHA.
  2. Educate participants about the PHA process and build community capacity in environmental health.
  3. Develop relationships with local residents, to help build trust in the long-term PHA process.
  4. Identify the most relevant way of communicating to the broader community about the PHA and the conclusions and recommendations that will result from the process.
  5. Ensure that community concerns are highlighted, incorporated and addressed through the PHA process.

Resources

Press Releases

September 20, 2018 - OHA Report: Levels of metals in air, soil near Uroboros too low to be harmful

May 9, 2016 - OHA continues assessments of long-term risks near Bullseye, Uroboros


Health Education

Healthy Gardening Resources


Agency Support

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)