The Department of Environmental Quality has released list of 175 “persistent pollutants” in Oregon’s water. They are chemicals known to have harmful effects on people, fish and wildlife. They are also slow to break down in the environment and therefore the impact of these chemicals is long term.
Near the top of the list are several PBDE flame retardants. PBDEs, also known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are used in many household products including furniture, televisions and computers. They’ve been banned in Washington and recently the EPA put out a report about the growing amounts of PBDE’s in the Columbia River Basin.
Other pollutants include consumer and agricultural pesticides, plus PCB’s and other industrial use chemicals. Also on the list, DDT, even though it was banned in 1972.
For consumers, the list includes pollutants from everday products such as anti-bacterial hand soaps, insect repellents, shampoos and deodorants.
Unfortunately, the DEQ doesn’t make it easy for people who want to stop using these products. The list doesn’t give us brand names, only a list of chemicals. It’s up to you to compare the labels on the products you use to what’s on the list.
The next step is a period of public comment and more study. DEQ will present a final list to the legislature by June 1. Then it has 12 months for another report listing the sources of these pollutants and ways to reduce them.
Here’s a list of the upcoming public meetings:
- Pendleton, Tuesday, March 3, 4 to 7 p.m., St. Anthony’s Hospital, Cascade Room, 1601 SE Court Ave.
- North Bend, Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 to 8 p.m., North Bend Library, large meeting room, 1800 Sherman Ave.
- Klamath Falls, Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Klamath County Courthouse, Commission Hearing Room, 305 Main St.
- Portland, Thursday, March 19, 5:30 to 8 p.m., DEQ Headquarters, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Room EQC-A (10th floor), at corner of SW Sixth and Yamhill. This meeting will also be accessible via conference call. Call-in number: 877-214-5010, participant number 898168.
