Health and Lead Exposures
Why is lead so dangerous?
Lead is most dangerous to young children, pregnant women, and unborn children. Lead is taken into the body by swallowing lead-contaminated dirt or water, or by inhaling air that is contaminated by lead dust. Lead negatively affects nearly every system in the body. Sometimes these effects are not experienced immediately, making it easy for lead exposure to go unnoticed for years. The longer an exposure goes unnoticed, the greater the likelihood of developing negative effects, even if the exposure is relatively small.
To protect yourself and your family remember:
- Even small amounts of lead can harm a child. Less than 1/4 teaspoon of contaminated dust or soil can have long-lasting effects.
- Young children crawling and putting hands in their mouths are at greatest risk.
- There is no safe level of lead exposure.
How am I exposed to lead?
Exposure to lead can occur through:
Ingestion—Lead can enter the body if you ingest lead-contaminated items such as paint chips, dust, or soil. In addition, lead can leach into the water in pipes or fixtures made with lead causing accidental ingestion. For those living in the Silver Valley and Coeur d’Alene Basin, there is an increased likelihood of encountering lead in dust and soil. Avoid drinking water from water bodies found within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. They may also contain lead.
Inhalation—This exposure occurs when breathing lead-contaminated dust or fumes. This type of exposure presents an even greater risk than ingestion.
Occupational Exposure—Lead exposure can occur while working various industries. Common occupations where lead dust or fumes may be present are mining, milling, automotive work, plumbing, bullet manufacturing, excavation, demolition, welding, and painting.
Hobbies and Activities—Pottery making, stained glass, and crafting or shooting at firing ranges may expose you to materials and dust containing lead.
Consumer Products—Lead may be found in some cosmetics, toys, jewelry, and imported goods.
Environmental Exposure—The Silver Valley and the Coeur d’Alene Basin are beautiful places to live, work, and play. Lead exposure may occur when recreating in lead-contaminated areas. Educate yourself on ways to reduce recreational exposure and follow all posted health and safety recommendations when recreating.
What are the symptoms of lead exposure?
Lead is a naturally occurring metal. Exposure often goes unnoticed because people may have no symptoms and appear healthy. Testing is the only way to know your blood lead level. Schedule a free appointment for you and your family members to check your blood lead level. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides resources related to lead poisoning, including a list of potential symptoms. Learn more about lead in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
Is it safe to live within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site?
The Silver Valley and Coeur d’Alene Basin is a great place to live, work, and play. Knowing the facts about this area and following recommended health guidance will help keep you and your family safe from exposure to lead and other metals. It is important to be educated about the ways you can reduce exposures while living, working, and recreating in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Cleanup work has been completed to address contaminants in many areas; however, contaminants can still be found underneath protective ICP barriers, on un-remediated hillsides, on and around historic mine and millsites, along the banks & within area stream channels, as well as within the 100-year flood plain of the Coeur d’Alene River Basin.
Exposures occur through inhalation and ingestion. When doing dirt disturbance activities and certain interior remodeling projects, be sure to get an ICP permit and follow the health and safety information provided on the permit. When recreating, be sure to follow our tips on Safe Recreation. The ICP and Lead Health Intervention Program help current and future residents remain safe by reducing exposure to contaminated materials.
How do I reduce lead exposure to my family when enjoying the outdoors?
- Learn safe recreation practices.
- Know where to safely play outdoors. Follow local public health signs.
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation of contaminated dirt and dust, especially after playing outdoors and before eating. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly with soap. Bring clean water with you when picnicking or when handwashing may be required. Do not use creek or river water for washing. Hand sanitizers do not remove lead.
- Use a table or place a clean barrier (such as a towel or blanket) between your food, family, and the ground.
- Wear protective gear, including a mask or other face covering when riding ATVs, motorcycles, and bikes off-road to avoid breathing in dust which may contain lead.
- Clean or wash off as much dirt and dust as you can before leaving an area to minimize the contamination that you bring home. Until they are clean, store dusty clothes, toys, and equipment away from clean living areas.
- Leave shoes outside the camper or tent before entering.
- Wash pets that have played in the dirt or river before letting them into your home.
How do I reduce lead exposure in our home?
- Vacuum frequently to reduce in-home exposure. Panhandle Health District loans special vacuum cleaners to residents.
- Use a wet mop or damp dust cloth while cleaning to reduce the possibility of inhaling dust while cleaning.
- Take your shoes off when you enter your home to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
- Have your house dust tested.
- Ensure everyone washes their hands properly with soap prior to eating.
How do I reduce workplace exposures for myself and my family?
- Lead dust can settle on food, water, clothes, and other objects in environments where lead dust and fumes are present.
- Avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking in areas where lead is being processed or stored, you can ingest lead dust.
- Protect yourself by eating and/or drinking in areas where lead-containing products are not handled or processed.
- Clean surface areas regularly with a damp rag and wet mop.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water before touching food or placing anything else in your mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco with unwashed hands are common ways lead is ingested.
- Because lead dust can accumulate on your clothing, shoes, hair and personal items, always shower, if possible, before you leave work.
- Leave your work clothing and shoes at the job site. Avoid entering your car or home in work clothing.
- Launder your dirty work clothing separately from your family’s clothing.
- Use area laundromats when washing contaminated work clothing. These laundromats have washing machines and dryers designated for industrial use.
- Clean your automobile often.
- Pay special attention to items brought into the house like lunch boxes, and tools. Create a designated area that is easily cleaned, separate from the main living space, to store these items.
Where can I wash contaminated clothing?
Kellogg, Osburn, and Wallace all have laundromats that can accommodate individuals who need a place to wash contaminated work clothing. Please look for specially marked machines indicating this use. These machines are commonly called “digger” machines and are larger and meant for clothing that has been contaminated with lead dust.
The following locations provide these specialty machines:
Laundry Xpress
97 East Riverside Ave,
Kellogg, ID 83837
(208) 783-0702
There are 2 machines available
Click here for directions to this location
Osburn Laundry
618 East Mullan Ave,
Osburn, ID 83849
(208) 753-7061
There is 1 machine available
Click here for directions to this location
Wallace Laundromat
521 Cedar St,
Wallace, ID 83873
(208) 753-7061
There are 3 machines available
Does my family qualify for the free blood lead testing?
The Lead Health Intervention Program provides free blood lead testing year-round to anyone who lives, works, or recreates within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, regardless of age. In addition, children who reside in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site and are between 6 months through 6 years old are eligible for a $50 incentive when they participate in the annual screening program at the end of each summer.
Schedule a free appointment for you and your family members to check your blood lead level.
Does my child have high blood lead levels?
- Click here to sign up for free blood lead screening or contact your primary health care provider to arrange a test. With a simple finger prick, the results can be given within minutes. Depending on the result, the test may need to be confirmed by drawing blood from a vein.
- Keep testing your child’s blood for lead, especially if previous tests indicated high lead levels.
- Learn more and stay connected.
What if my child has high blood lead levels?
Elevated blood lead levels may result in many negative side effects including reduced mental and physical development. Even lower levels of lead exposure can cause harmful side effects. Identifying the source or sources of exposure, eliminating them, and scheduling follow up blood lead tests are all recommended to reduce a child’s blood lead level.
Learn more about Health and Lead Exposures.
How is lead poisoning treated?
Elevated blood lead levels indicate that a child was recently exposed or is still being exposed to a lead source. Exposure could come from contaminated dust, sediments, drinking contaminated water, lead-based paint, occupational exposures, consumer products, or other various sources. The best way to lower blood lead levels is to identify and eliminate the exposure sources. Panhandle Health District’s Lead Health Intervention Program offers free in-home consultations, services, resources, and educational opportunities.
ICP Resources
Do contractors need to be licensed to work within the ICP Administrative Boundary?
Yes.
All contractors conducting the following types of work within the ICP jurisdictional boundaries on the Bunker Hill Superfund Site must be licensed by the ICP:
- Any work that may disturb or change an existing barrier
- Excavation
- Grading
- Construction
- Building demolition
- Subdivisions and planned unit developments
- Certain interior remodeling projects
- Insulation
- Work in basements or crawl spaces with exposed soils that are contaminated
- Ceiling or attic work that is likely to disturb contaminated dust or debris
Can I get a list of ICP-licensed contractors?
To obtain a list of licensed contractors who can perform work regulated by the Institutional Controls Program (ICP), contact Panhandle Health District (PHD) at (208) 783-0707.
Do I need an ICP permit?
Institutional Controls Program (ICP) permits are required for interior or exterior work done within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. This includes home renovations and yard projects. These permits are required regardless of whether you are hiring a contractor or completing the work yourself. Click here to view a map of the Institutional Controls Program (ICP) boundaries and determine if your property is within the designated area where licensing and permitting are required or to determine if you qualify for free supplies.
Fill out this form to obtain a permit or determine if a permit is required. For questions, please contact PHD at (208) 783-0707.
Do I qualify for the free soil or gravel delivery?
PHD provides one (1) cubic yard of gravel or topsoil annually to repair and maintain remediated barriers and to assist with small projects within the site.
Request free soil or gravel for your ICP permitted project.
How does the ICP provide property liability protection?
Property owners have liability protection if they demonstrate due diligence, obtain a property owner disclosure before purchasing property, and remain in compliance with the ICP. Additional information can be found in the factsheet: Protections Against Superfund Liability.
Is there a cost for ICP services?
No. All services are provided free of charge to users. Costs to implement the ICP are covered through funding from cooperative agreements with EPA and dedicated accounts held by the State of Idaho.
What additional permits should I consider before beginning my project?
In addition to an ICP permit, other permits from a city, county, state or federal agency, or the Panhandle Health District may be required within ICP jurisdictional boundaries. It is the legal responsibility of the individual or contractor to obtain all required permits prior to the start of any project. Contact Panhandle Health District (PHD) at (208) 783-0707 for more information.
Requests for More Information
Who should I contact for more information?
Contact Us by calling or visiting the local Panhandle Health District or Idaho Department of Environmental Quality offices in Kellogg for more information on the Bunker Hill Superfund Site questions or topics.
What is the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission?
The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) was established in 2002 by Idaho Legislature under the Basin Environmental Improvement Act of 2001. The BEIPC was established to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of Idaho in a manner consistent with local, State, Federal, and Tribal participation and resources. It was created to help coordinate cleanup, environmental restoration, and related measures in the Basin. BEIPC is administered by the Executive Director and overseen by the seven governments that make up the Basin Commission. They work to coordinate the implementation of EPA’s Record of Decision for Operable Unit 3 and the Upper Basin ROD Amendment for Operable Units 2 and 3.
What is the Citizen Coordinating Council and how can I join?
The Citizen Coordinating Council (CCC) provides public input into Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) activities. The CCC works to convey the range of citizen concerns and perspectives to the BEIPC Board concerning implementation of the work plans that support the implementation of the Record of Decision and related plans to address heavy metal contamination in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. CCC meetings are open to the public and strive to be an open and inclusive body representing diverse and balanced views. Contact the BEIPC Executive Director, Sharon Bosley, by email at sharon.bosley@deq.idaho.gov if you would like to become involved.
Cleanup
Where is the Bunker Hill Superfund Site located?
The Bunker Hill Superfund Site is located in northern Idaho and eastern Washington in one of the largest historic mining districts in the world. The site spans 1,500 square miles and 166 river miles beginning at the Idaho/Montana border and follows the Coeur d’Alene River drainage system to the Spokane River.
Click Here to view a map of the Bunker Hill Superfund Site (also found on EPA’s online mapping tool)
What is Superfund and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)?
Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980. CERCLA is informally called Superfund. It allows The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites that may endanger public health or the environment. It also forces the parties responsible for the contamination to either perform cleanups or reimburse the government for EPA-led cleanup work.
Learn more about Superfund/CERCLA.
What is the Institutional Controls Program?
The Institutional Controls Program (ICP) is a major component of the cleanup actions selected for the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. The ICP was established to ensure clean barriers installed over contaminated materials remain intact. The Panhandle Health District (PHD) administers the program locally and has been doing so for over 25 years. All contractors and homeowners working within the ICP administrative boundaries are required to obtain ICP permits to track all activities that disturb contaminated materials and/or remediated barriers. All contractors working within the ICP administrative boundaries are required to be licensed. ICP inspectors monitor all work to ensure disturbed barriers are properly reinstalled and that contaminated materials are properly disposed of.
Learn more about ICP Permits and how to Maintain Your ICP Barrier.
What is the involvement of Panhandle Health District (PHD), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
PHD, DEQ, and EPA work in close collaboration. PHD’s local office in Kellogg leads implementation of the Institutional Controls Program (ICP) and Lead Health Intervention Program (LHIP) and can be contacted at 208-783-0707 or by completing ICP and LHIP request forms. EPA and DEQ partner together to conduct cleanup actions. Outreach materials for specific Bunker Hill Superfund Site projects identify points of contact for the ongoing work.
Learn more about current projects by signing up to receive the Basin Bulletin. Please Contact Us with questions and concerns.
How is the Coeur d'Alene Tribe involved?
In 2002, EPA selected an interim remedy for Operable Unit 3 (OU3) to protect human health in Silver Valley communities and residential areas, including designated recreational areas throughout OU3, which includes the Lower Basin. The selected remedy for OU3 identified approximately 30 years of prioritized actions, employed an adaptive management approach, and focused on reducing human health risks, improving water quality, minimizing downstream migration of metal contaminants, and improving conditions for fish and wildlife populations. The selected remedy did not include a remedy for Coeur d’Alene Lake and stipulated that the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the State of Idaho would develop and implement a joint Lake Management Plan (LMP) outside of the Superfund process using their separate regulatory authorities. In March 2009, the Tribe and State finalized the LMP and began to actively implement the LMP outside of the Cooperative Agreements between the Tribe and EPA. Unfortunately, due to exceedances in water quality triggers over the 10-year course of LMP implementation, the Tribe withdrew its’ support as signatory to the LMP in 2019.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe (Tribe) has actively participated in remediation efforts since the early 1990s and will continue to do so as long as the Bunker Hill Superfund Site is listed on the National Priorities List. Remedial actions continue to occur throughout the Tribe’s ancestral homeland in the Coeur d’Alene Basin; therefore, the Tribe’s involvement continues to be of vital importance to not only the Tribal Council but also the Tribal membership as a whole.
EPA continues to pursue data collection and analysis efforts in the Lower Basin, which is of great interest to the Tribe due to the historical and culturally significant connection that the Tribe has with this area. The Tribe was actively involved in the development of the 2012 Interim Record of Decision Amendment and issued a letter of concurrence to EPA.
The Tribe appreciates their long-standing relationship of cooperation and coordination with EPA and the progress that has been made over the years. The Tribe looks forward to continued participation with EPA, the Coeur d’Alene Work Trust, the Restoration Partnership, and other governmental agencies to jointly advance the cleanup efforts in a scientifically sound, economically prudent, and expeditious manner throughout both the Upper and Lower Basins.
How is the Washington Department of Ecology involved?
Washington State is included in the boundary of the site due to contamination that spread downstream through Lake Coeur d’Alene, into the Spokane River, and settled on its beaches. As a member of the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, the Washington Department of Ecology represents Washingtonians that play in and near the river and ensures that cleanup of the site effectively reduces pollution entering our state. Our involvement provides opportunities to collaborate and make meaningful progress on the cleanup and prevent further contamination of the Spokane River and its beaches.
Who pays for the cleanup?
Funding for cleanup actions comes from a variety of sources including federal and state legislative appropriations, and court settlements held by EPA, DEQ, and the Coeur d’Alene Work Trust which came from mining corporations and other responsible parties. These settlements are held in interest-bearing accounts and have been identified to be used for specific actions within the Box or Basin.
What is the Coeur d'Alene Work Trust?
The Coeur d’Alene Work Trust was established as part of a court settlement to administer settlement funds, including over $435 million from a settlement with Hecla Mining Company, and conduct work at EPA’s direction and pursuant to the EPA’s cleanup decision documents. The funds are invested by the Trust, expected to grow over time, and can only be used to perform EPA selected cleanup actions in the Basin. The Trust cannot be used for cleanup actions in the Box. The Trust hires local engineering and construction firms to perform work on the site.
How can I become involved in cleanup decisions?
There are several ways to become involved in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site cleanup decisions.
The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) hosts quarterly meetings that are open to the public. These meetings provide updates on current projects. They offer a public comment period during each meeting to allow participants to voice their thoughts and opinions. The BEIPC also has a group called the Citizens Coordinating Council (CCC) which is the main avenue for the public to provide input on all cleanup activities. The CCC meets on an as-needed-basis. To be involved, email the BEIPC Executive Director, Sharon Bosley, at sharon.bosley@deq.idaho.gov for more information.
Other public participation opportunities will be posted in the Basin Bulletin as they become available.
Learn more about how to Get Connected and Stay Engaged.
What are the contaminants of concern within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site?
Mining and milling operations and smelter emissions resulted in metals contamination throughout the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. The key contaminants of concern include lead and other metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and zinc.
Learn more about the history and cleanup at the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
Learn more about the health effects caused by exposure to lead and other metals.
Are there still areas that need cleanup?
Cleanup work has and continues to be completed through a phased approach. Initial cleanup efforts focused on addressing the highest risk populations with cleanups at schools, parks, residential areas, established recreation sites, and populated community areas. Cleanup is ongoing and is now focused on remaining recreational areas and addressing uphill and upstream source areas such as historic mines and mill sites, and waste rock piles. Crews will then continue to work downstream on sections of the lower Basin that weren’t previously addressed, including parts of the main Coeur d’Alene River and the chain lakes.
Learn more about the history and cleanup at the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
Learn more about steps to reduce exposure while recreating in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
Was my property cleaned up?
The Institutional Controls Program (ICP) tracks completed cleanups, sampling results, and work conducted under an ICP permit. Request property information to check the status of a property, including any associated record drawings, ICP work permits, and sample data using the form below. This information should be included with your other real estate property disclosures when you sell or rent your property.
Who should I call if I have questions about excavation work being done on my neighbor's property?
If you have questions or concerns about excavation work being done in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, contact PHD’s Kellogg Office at (208) 783-0707.
What blood lead data are available?
Blood lead testing began in 1974 in response to community-wide lead exposure following the Bunker Hill Baghouse Fire. Panhandle Health District (PHD) has offered testing annually since 1985. These data have been presented to the public in annual BEIPC meetings and are summarized in documents that provide evaluations of children’s blood lead levels. Individuals who have been tested can request their personal records from PHD at (208) 783-0707.
Click here to view available documentation regarding blood lead testing within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
What house dust data are available?
Lead in house dust is a key exposure pathway to young children playing indoors. Exterior soils contaminated with lead and other metals can be transported into a home on shoes, dirty clothing, and dusty recreational equipment. Sampling house dust helps to better understand current exposures, determine how to reduce risk, and recognize how the cleanup has changed lead levels in homes.
Click here to view available documents and data regarding house dust within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.