New lead-testing tool screenings at Children’s Fair at TD City Park, May 16
North Central Public Health District is bringing a new lead-detecting device to the Wasco County Children’s Fair at The Dalles City Park, 707 Union Street, on May 16 , giving families a chance to test household items for hidden contamination.
Modern testing can scan paint, like above or soil and other materials to see if it contains lead, a toxin in which children can be sickened by tiny amounts.
From North Central Public Health District with edits and additions by Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., May 13, 2026 — North Central Public Health District has purchased a new handheld device capable of detecting lead in household items, paint, soil and other materials, and officials say the tool will help identify dangerous exposures before children are harmed.
The district announced Tuesday that it has acquired a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer, commonly called an XRF analyzer, which can rapidly detect and measure lead in materials including toys, ceramics, dishware, jewelry, cosmetics, paint and soil.
According to NCPHD, the district is now one of only two local public health departments in Oregon — outside of Multnomah County — with access to the technology. Officials say the device will not only serve Wasco and Sherman counties but may also be used throughout the Columbia Gorge region as needed.
Why this matters is simple, according to health officials: there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Even small amounts can affect brain development, behavior, learning and growth, particularly in young children whose bodies absorb lead more easily than adults.
“This is great news for our Columbia Gorge communities,” NCPHD Director Martha McInnes said in a statement. “There’s no safe lead level for kids, and we’re working to prevent or catch exposures before damage happens.”
According to the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon reported 361 cases of elevated blood lead levels in children in 2024, including 237 cases involving children younger than 6. Health officials say it takes only a tiny amount of lead to harm a child. Blood lead levels are measured in micrograms per deciliter — a microgram is one-millionth of a gram, or about the weight of a tiny grain of dust. Even exposure levels measured in those microscopic amounts can affect a child’s brain development, learning, behavior and growth, which is why public health officials stress that no level of lead exposure is considered safe for children.
The district’s certified lead risk assessor, epidemiologist Zachary Hale, has been trained to operate the device and will use it during on-site lead investigations when children show elevated lead levels. NCPHD also plans to bring the analyzer to community events so residents can test items they suspect may contain lead.
The first public testing opportunity will be at the Wasco County Children’s Fair on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health officials are encouraging residents to bring potentially risky items for testing, especially older or imported products. Vintage toys, international ceramics, old painted items, jewelry and some cosmetics are considered more likely to contain lead.
NCPHD is also offering guidance for residents who want to bring soil or paint samples.
For soil testing, officials recommend collecting samples from bare soil areas near house foundations, play areas and garden beds. Residents should remove debris first and collect the top two inches of soil into labeled plastic bags.
For paint testing, the district advises carefully removing a small paint chip using a utility knife and scraper, then placing the sample into a sealed plastic bag while cleaning up any dust created during collection.
The analyzer was funded through the Oregon Health Authority’s Program Element 51-02, which supports regional efforts related to communicable disease control, emergency preparedness and environmental health services.
Residents unable to attend the Children’s Fair can call NCPHD at 541-506-2600 to arrange possible testing opportunities.
More information about lead safety is available at North Central Public Health District or on the district’s Facebook page at North Central Public Health District Facebook page.
More about the Children’s Fair
Child Care Partners is inviting local families to attend “Unplug & Play,” a free community event designed to connect children and parents with activities, entertainment and local family resources.
The event will feature interactive booths with games and activities for children, along with take-home items and information from local organizations offering services and programs for families.
Organizers said community businesses will provide raffle prizes, with all families eligible to participate at no cost. Free snacks and entertainment also will be available during the event.
Representatives from local agencies and programs will share information focused on healthy and safe practices for children and families.
