The Portland Mercury Reports Increased Concern in Portland over Lead Dust from Demolitions

According to The Portland Mercury, there is a loophole in Oregon law that requires safety precautions to protect against the spread of lead dust during home renovations, but not demolitions.  97% of the 973 demolition permits issued or applied for in Portland since 2014 are for houses built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned by the federal government. As of October 31, a new law will go into effect requiring buildings built prior to 1916 be deconstructed rather than demolished, but some neighborhoods are advocating for stronger regulations. Read more.