DEQ AND OHA: PORTLAND GLASS COMPANIES TO

SUSPEND USE OF CHROMIUM, CADMIUM

News Release from Oregon Health Authority

Posted on FlashAlert: February 12th, 2016 4:45 PM

EDITORS: A media availability with representatives from DEQ and OHA is set for 4:45-5 p.m.

TODAY in Room 1-D (ninth floor) of the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St. It

will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98yWpo2CDGE.

February 12, 2016

Two Portland glass companies have agreed to stop using all chromium, cadmium and arsenic in

their manufacturing processes in response to a request by the Oregon Department of

Environmental Quality.

The two companies are Bullseye Glass Co. in Southeast Portland and Uroboros in North

Portland.

On Thursday, Feb. 11, DEQ requested both companies to voluntarily cease their use of all

chromium compounds until further notice. Bullseye Glass Co. has agreed to suspend use of

hexavalent chromium, and further agreed to stop using cadmium and arsenic; Uroboros agreed to

suspend their use of all chromium compounds and cadmium, and does not use arsenic.

DEQ is working with each company to formalize agreements as soon as possible.

"DEQ appreciates the willingness of these companies to eliminate the use of all chromium

compounds, cadmium and arsenic," DEQ Director Dick Pedersen said today.

To guide DEQ's metals sampling, the agency requested Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

from each company regarding the use of all metal compounds in their operations the week of

Feb. 8, 2016. A preliminary analysis of the MSDS sheets indicated both companies were using

compounds containing hexavalent chromium as a raw ingredient. Based on DEQ's knowledge of

the emission levels of cadmium and arsenic, it was determined there were likely to be other

metals emissions.

While there is uncertainty about the chromium compound emissions, DEQ approached both

companies about immediately suspending their use of all chromium compounds. DEQ has begun

additional air monitoring and has initiated soil sampling in Southeast Portland. DEQ is preparing

similar monitoring plans for North Portland, which will be available within the next week on the

DEQ website at www.deq.state.or.us/nwr/metalsemissions.htm.

There are two types of chromium: chromium 3 (trivalent chromium) and chromium 6

(hexavalent chromium). Chromium 3 is the most common form and is an essential nutrient found

in our bodies (and urine). Chromium 6 is less common but much more toxic. Inhaling chromium

6 at very high levels can cause acute respiratory and skin irritation. Chronic, low-level exposure

to chromium 6 can increase the risk of certain lung cancers. DEQ does not yet have data

regarding the levels of chromium 6 in this case.

A urine test is available, but cannot distinguish types of chromium, and cannot be used to predict

health risks or diagnose disease. There is no benchmark for chromium levels in urine. Urine tests

for chromium are difficult to interpret.

DEQ is compiling the list of facilities in Oregon permitted to emit chromium compounds. DEQ

is researching other facilities that may be using chromium compounds that are not otherwise

regulated for use.

For more information on the effects of chromium 6, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances &

Disease Registry (ATSDR) webpage at

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=10&po=10

OHA has set up a phone line for residents concerned about the health effects of metals

emissions: 971-673-0185, and an email address, EHAP.Info@state.or.us.

The Multnomah County Health Department and Portland Public Schools will host a second

community open house with DEQ and OHA at Tubman Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 18,

from 5-9 p.m.

For more information about the investigation and to get updates, visit

www.deq.state.or.us/nwr/metalsemissions.htm (DEQ) and

www.healthoregon.org/metalsemissions (OHA); and www.multco.us (Multnomah County).