Healthy & Safe Schools
MESD is committed to providing healthy and safe facilities for students and staff. Plans are in place to manage or eliminate environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, lead in water, radon, and pests. Each day, Facility Services looks for ways to maintain and improve the health and comfort of MESD buildings. We strive to become a resource for Environmental Health and Safety information for schools throughout Multnomah County and Oregon.
MESD healthy & safe Schools Plan
MESD Healthy & SAFE Schools Plan - Annual Statement (July 2024)
Water Quality
In 2017, Oregon lawmakers passed OAR 333-061-0400, "Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water" which requires all schools and childcare facilities in Oregon to test for lead in drinking water on a 6-year cycle. All Education Service Districts in the state must test for lead in drinking water in school buildings during the 2022-2023 school year.
Results will be shared on the MESD website and directly with the school building communities.
MESD performed extensive initial lead in water testing in 2016. All water sources with elevated lead levels were replaced, shut off, or posted with "Handwashing Only" signs.
For questions about the health impacts of lead and testing please call or email the Multnomah County Health Authority Lead Line at 503-988-4000 or leadline@multco.us. You may also visit the Multnomah County website on lead poisoning and prevention at https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention.
- Useful Links for Water Quality
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Water Quality
- Test Results for Water Quality
Useful Links for Water Quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Water Quality
Who regulates and provides guidelines for lead in drinking water?
The Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon Health Authority regulate lead levels in drinking water. The Oregon Department of Education Healthy and Safe Schools website provides water testing protocols and technical guidance based on the requirements stated within OAR 333-061-0400.
How often does MESD test for lead in drinking water?
MESD tests all school buildings every 6 years. The initial testing period was in 2016, and the first six-year cycle began in the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the lead action level now?
The action level is now 15 parts per billion of lead (ppb). The level during the initial testing period was 20 ppb.
What fixtures are now tested?
Per OAR 333-061-0400, all sinks, drinking fountains, water bottle filling stations must be tested. Showerheads, custodial sinks, eyewash stations, and outside hose bibs may be exempt from testing.
What will MESD do if test results show elevated levels of lead in drinking water?
OAR 333-061-0400 states access to fixtures with lead levels above 15 ppb must be closed as soon as possible, within 48 hours, and remain closed until remediation is completed, and the fixture tests below 15 ppb. If the fixture is used primarily for sanitation purposes only, ODE permits that access may continue for up to 30 days, provided that clear signage is posted indicating the tap is not to be used for drinking or food preparation
Can we use the Brita Water Filtration systems?
Yes, the Brita water bottle filtration stations are EPA and NSF International compliant drinking water fixtures and will remain available for use.
Where can I get information about health impacts from lead?
The Multnomah County Health Department is the recognized authority with the expertise in preventing and addressing health impacts from lead. The health department website https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention provides excellent information and answers about lead information and referral. They have also provided a hotline for questions 503-988-4000 or email leadline@multco.us
If I'm concerned about my potential exposure to lead, where can I go to be tested?
You may visit the Multnomah County Health department website at https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention/getting-your-child-tested-lead or call or email the Lead Line at 503-988-4000 or email leadline@multco.us for information about testing clinics in the area. You may also contact your primary care provider.
Does it matter how old a home or building is?
The Multnomah County Health Department’s lead poisoning prevention webpage explains that common sources of lead include:
- Lead solder, which may have been used to join your plumbing (common in homes between 1970 and 1985).
- Older (before 2014) brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. As of 2014, all brass-plumbing fittings must be no more than .25 percent lead.
When were MESD buildings built?
MESD’s leased buildings (Wheatley, Helensview, and Knott Creek) were built before 1985.
- Helensview (aka Sumner School): Built 1954
- Wheatley (aka Thompson School): Built 1956
- Knott Creek (aka Knott School): Built 1954
MESD’s owned buildings (Arata Creek, Burlingame Creek, and Ainsworth) were built after 1985.
- Ainsworth: Built 1989
- Arata Creek: Built 2001
- Burlingame Creek (aka Alpha School): Built 2000
Test Results for Water Quality
Below is a link to a summary of historic testing data for MESD sites. This link will be updated within 10 business days as future test results become available.
Lead in water testing is required by Division 22 Rules (OAR 581-022-2223). All school districts, ESDs, and charter schools must test all required fixtures for elevated levels of lead at least every 6 years starting July 1, 2020 per OAR 333-061-0400. MESD tested all fixtures for lead in the 2022-2023 school year, and is scheduled to retest in the 2028-2029 school year.
The lead in water action level limit is set at 15 parts per billion (ppb) of water to lead for school fixtures. MESD mitigates all fixtures that test at or above 12 ppb.
view all mesd water quality test results
Radon
In the summer of 2016, in preparation for our fall monitoring activities, MESD sampled each of our owned and leased buildings with the HVAC systems turned off and the HVAC systems turned on. The results of the tests showed that when the HVAC systems are on the radon levels are well below the action level of 4 picoCuries per liter (piC/L). MESD contracted with Cascade Radon for follow up testing. Cascade Radon confirmed that the HVAC systems keep radon levels below 4 piC/L action level.
MESD Radon Plan (August 2016)Note: If you need an accessible version of this document, please contact environmental@mesd.k12.or.us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Radon
Why are Oregon Schools testing for Radon?
According to the Oregon Health Authority, the EPA began investigating radon in schools across the country in 1988. The initial studies show that there were elevated levels of radon in schools in every state. In 2015, in an effort to better understand radon levels in Oregon schools, Oregon enacted a law requiring OHA to:
- Disseminate information on radon and the dangers of radon to school districts, and
- To develop processes and model plans - using national standards – for schools to use to test for elevated levels.
Beginning this fall, all school districts in Oregon will be monitoring and reporting radon data to the Oregon Health Authority to increase understanding about radon levels.
Radon is also a concern for homes throughout our region for further information about radon and home testing please visit the Oregon Radon Awareness Program website.
What is Radon?
Radon occurs naturally in rocks, soil and water. Radon gas moves up through the soil and can be drawn into homes and buildings by slight pressure differences.
Does Radon have health impacts?
According to the OHA, radon can cause lung cancer and is thought to cause 13% of all lung cancer deaths. Breathing radon does not cause any short-term human health symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches or fever. Children (who have higher respiration rates than adults) have been reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radiation. However, no conclusive data exists at this time on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon. For more information about the health impacts of radon please visit the OHA Frequently Asked Questions page at https://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/RadonGas/Pages/index.aspx#dangerous or speak with your healthcare provider.
How is MESD addressing radon levels in buildings it leases or owns?
MESD follows the OHA guidelines for monitoring and mitigating radon in the buildings that we own or lease. The monitoring guidelines call for air samples to be taken in mid to late fall with the HVAC system on and the building occupied with students and staff. The OHA action level for samples is 4 pCi/L.
Are there special guidelines for students we serve with special needs, chronic conditions or who are medically fragile?
We are also consulting regularly with OHA to ensure the safety of the students we serve. Specifically, we have asked OHA for any guidance related to radon and students with special needs, chronic conditions or who are medically fragile. According to the OHA there is no specific guidance on radon for these populations.
Radon is also a concern for homes throughout our region for further information about radon and home testing please visit the Oregon Radon Awareness Program website.
Test Results for Radon
This page contains information about radon testing at MESD owned or leased sites: Arata Creek, Burlingame Creek, Helensview School, Wheatley School, Wynne Watts, and the Ainsworth building.
Testing Methodology
MESD sampled owned and leased buildings for radon in the summer and fall of 2016. Sample Set 1 was conducted with the HVAC systems turned-off and the building unoccupied over a long weekend. This testing protocol was not consistent with OHA Radon testing guidelines. The results of this testing are provided in the Table labeled Sample Set 1. These results were shared with OHA which recommended re-testing buildings that had results above the action level of 4 picoCuries per liter (piC/L) with a Continuous Radon Monitoring System and the HVAC system turned-on.
Sample Set 2 was conducted by Cascade Radon, a contractor certified by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and with the HVAC systems turned on per the OHAs recommendations. The results of the tests show radon levels well below the action level. Results are posted below in Sample Set 2. In compliance with OHA guidelines testing will occur again this fall with the HVAC systems on and the buildings occupied.
Sample Set 3 was conducted by Cascade Radon. Cascade Radon performed extensive testing of Helensview with HVAC on and off and found that with the HVAC system running, radon levels in all areas dropped well beneath the EPA recommended 4.0 pCi/L. Cascade Radon recommends that HVAC fans run at least 6-8 hours prior to occupancy. No active sub-soil depressurization mitigation system is recommended unless HVAC use becomes periodic.
view all mesd RADON test results
Asbestos
Per the EPA, "The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires EPA to promulgate regulations (e.g., the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule) requiring local educational agencies to inspect their school buildings for asbestos-containing building material, prepare asbestos management plans and perform asbestos response actions to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. AHERA also tasked EPA with developing a model plan for states for accrediting persons conducting asbestos inspection and corrective-action activities at schools."
MESD leases three buildings (Knott Creek School, Helensview School and Wheatley School) that were built during the time that asbestos containing building materials (ACBMs) were often used in construction. Those plans are available by request from Parkrose School District. The schools are inspected and maintained in compliance with EPA and DEQ regulations.
AHERA requires districts that own schools with ACBM to:
- Prepare and update an asbestos management plan
- Inspect school buildings every three years by an AHERA accredited asbestos inspector
- Inspect ACBM for changes every 6 months
MESD and Parkrose Schoold district take actions consistent with DEQ and EPA regulations to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Two MESD staff are certified Asbestos Operations and Maintenance workers. Custodial staff that clean, but do not repair, ACBM, attend an annual asbestos awareness class.
Test Results for Asbestos
The AHERA Asbestos Management Plans outline the ACBM and suspected ACBM in each school. On occasion, MESD has contracted with accredited labs to test materials and air quality beyond that required by AHERA. Those results are linked below.
view all mesd asbestos test results
Paint
Lead can be found in paint produced prior to a federal ban in 1978. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) provides guidelines for testing and addressing concerns about lead paint in buildings. Four MESD buildings, Knott Creek School, Wynne Watts, Helensview School and Wheatley School were built and originally painted prior to 1978.
During the summer of 2016, testing was conducted at Wynne Watts, Helensview School and Wheatley School. Results indicated lead paint was present in some places and we have taken action to encapsulate the old paint per OHA guidelines. Based on results from Helensview and Wheately, Knott Creek is assumed to have lead paint in older layers of paint, therefore classrooms were encapsulated summer of 2017 before MESD moved into the building.
The Oregon Health Authority tells us that the dominant source of lead paint is in our homes. For more information about lead in our homes and ways to mitigate its effects, please visit the OHA website.
Test Results for Lead Paint
In the summer of 2016, testing was conducted at Wynne Watts, Helensview School and Wheatley School.
view all mesd lead paint test results
Pest Management
The health and safety of students and staff is MESD’s first priority, and is a prerequisite to learning. It is the policy of MESD to approach pest management with the least possible risk to students and staff. Pesticides are only used after other methods, such as increased cleaning, have proved insufficient. In addition, Senate Bill 637 (incorporated into ORS Chapter 634 upon finalization in 2009) requires all school districts to implement integrated pest management (IPM) in their schools.
Below you will find MESD’s Integrated Pest Management Plan and other pest-related documents. Pesticide Treatment Notifications are shared with school administration to share with staff and families at least 24 hours prior to a pesticide treatment by a licensed pesticide applicator.
MESD Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan
MESD Low-Impact Pesticide List
Integrated Pest Management: MESD Board Policy
Regulations Regarding the Application of Pesticides: MESD Administrative Rule
​Pesticide Notification Letter
Note: If you need an accessible version of these documents, please contact environmental@mesd.k12.or.us
Pest Management Notifications
At this link, please find a compilation of all pesticide treatment notifications for MESD sites.
view all mesd pest management notifications
Cleaning Products
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that safety data sheets (SDS) be readily available to all employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace under the Hazard Communication regulation. The SDS are also required to be made available to local fire departments and local and state emergency planning officials under Section 311 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Important chemical information for MESD Staff:
- All chemical containers must be labeled
- Do not bring any cleaning chemicals from home
- By Oregon law, only licensed pesticide applicators can apply any pesticides in Oregon schools — this includes all ant baits and wasp sprays
- Safety data sheets must be maintained for each hazardous chemical in the workplace
- All safety data sheets must be readily accessible to employees
- All employees that use hazardous chemical must be trained on chemicals in their work area before initial assignment
- It is the custodian’s responsibility to put the new sheet in the binder when they purchase a new chemical for the first time, and alert Environmental Services
- All custodians must complete an online course on “Safety Data Sheets” annually
- SDS notebooks are reviewed annually by Facility Services
Note: If you need an accessible version of these documents, please contact environmental@mesd.k12.or.us
Staff are highly encouraged to report any potential issues found in MESD locations. If chipped paint or floor tiles, indoor air quality issues, signs of pests, or cleaning issues are observed staff may submit a SchoolDude ticket or notify their school administrator.
Questions about environmental health in MESD schools can be emailed to environmental@mesd.k12.or.us.