Tamara Rubin

Tamara Rubin is an American activist, researcher and filmmaker focused on heavy metals poisoning prevention, particularly lead. A frequent speaker on the topic, she has appeared alongside Erin Brockovich at public events.[1][2][3]

Since 2018 she has run Lead Safe Mama LLC, a crowd-funded, community-based company for Heavy Metals poisoning prevention which has been covered in multiple media outlets, having found lead in Stanley Cups and in toothpaste.[4][5]

Early activism

In 2005, a contractor used an illegal open-flame torch method to remove lead-based paint from Tamara Rubin's home in Northeast Portland, resulting in two of her sons being lead poisoned.[6] Rubin, at that time was working as a Apple computer consultant where she had met her husband, Len.[7][8]

Initially using 3M Leadcheck testers to check items, Rubin purchased an XRF handheld tester at substantial expense and trained to be able to carry out work as a Lead Testing Technician. Rubin spoke about lead hazards in schools and informed parents about the risks of lead in children's toys and jewelry through a website, including Fidget Spinners. Her efforts led to media attention and virality, and she shared her family's experiences with lead poisoning. She also testified at legislative hearings in Salem, supporting new regulations on lead use, and visiting Flint, Michigan to promote the dangers of lead in the water.[1][6]

In 2011, Rubin left her Apple computer consulting job to focus full-time on producing a documentary on lead poisoning, MisLead: America's Secret Epidemic.[9] In the same year, she also founded Lead Safe America.[1][7]

In April 2016, Rubin spoke on stage in Portland, Oregon alongside environmental activist Erin Brockovich about environmental advocacy, and organising to prevent, remove and warn of toxicants in the area.[10][11]

In 2016, Rubin was investigated by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the IRS for alleged fraud and theft, and was removed from Lead Safe America.[12][13] The Lead Safe America Foundation was then dissolved, the remaining members choosing not to run it without Rubin, or wait for the outcome of the investigation.[2]

The IRS found no evidence of tax evasion, and found that Rubin had loaned the charity money from her own pocket.[12] The ODHS proceeded regardless, and in November 2017, Rubin was arraigned and indicted on nine charges. Rubin pled not guilty to all of the charges.[14]

All charges were dropped against Rubin in May 2018 by Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill after ODHS investigator Kris Kalanges admitted in February 2018 that he had not reviewed the IRS evidence, financial records, and conclusions and had withheld these documents from the wider ODHS and District Attorney Underhill. In 2019, the Oregon Department of Human Services offered a financial settlement out of court with the Rubin family.[12]

In 2019, Rubin filed a lawsuit alleging that Oregon State investigators violated her Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights by withholding exculpatory evidence. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut dismissed the case in July 2022 on the grounds that [12] it was barred by the statute of limitations. Rubin appealed to the Ninth Circuit in 2023.[12]

Activism in the 2020s

After Lead Safe America was dissolved, Rubin formed Lead Safe Mama, LLC, publishing her results for the first party testing of products using XRF testing for which Rubin has been trained to carry out.[15] Initially utilising adverts, Lead Safe Mama now makes money from affiliate income from lead-free products recommended as alternatives on her website.[16] Rubin also began offering virtual and in-home consultations with families of lead poisoned children as a revenue stream to fund the advocacy work.[17]

In March 2023, Rubin reported the presence of lead in the base of Stanley tumblers which could become exposed over time on the product, causing potential lead poisoning. This led to a lawsuit against the manufacturer.[16]

In March 2024, Rubin began crowdfunding 3rd party testing of foods, supplements, and personal care items as these products required higher levels of heavy metal detection than was possible with XRF testing. The reports from the third-party lab testing for each product is published with the results and a safe list of uncontaminated products has been created.[15]

In April 2025, Rubin published research carried out with third-party lab testing which showed toothpastes in the United States are widely contaminated with lead. This was reported in the British newspaper of record The Guardian.[5]

In May 2025, Rubin was credited by Consumer Reports for alerting the publication to the lead contamination of Cassava flour products. Consumer Reports' follow up investigation determined that more than two-thirds of the 27 products tested contained high lead levels.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b c Law, Steve (May 16, 2013). "Mother's documentary exposes 'America's secret epidemic'". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Moore, Shasta Kearns (November 29, 2017). "Embattled former leader of Lead Safe America says felony charges are bogus". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023.
  3. ^ "Where are they now?". Portland Tribune. January 5, 2017. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024.
  4. ^ Rubin, Tamara (January 5, 2019). "About Lead Safe Mama LLC".
  5. ^ a b "Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds". The Guardian. April 2025.
  6. ^ a b Christensen, Jen; Sidner, Sara; Mallory, Simon (March 4, 2016). "Flint and lead poisoning: Living with it and uncertainty, long-term". CNN.
  7. ^ a b Sailor, Craig (May 21, 2016). "Poisoned kids turned mom into lead activist". The News Tribune.
  8. ^ Haupt, Angela (September 11, 2007). "Painting over dangers". Norwich Bulletin.
  9. ^ "Cedar Rapids mom raises awareness about lead poisoning". The London Gazette.
  10. ^ Baum, Gary (2026-02-22). "Inside the Secret Smear Machine That's Targeting Hollywood". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 22, 2026.
  11. ^ "Flying Focus Archive - Erin Brockovich - Environmental organising in Portland (Part One)". 2016-04-16 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ a b c d e Mayham, Alanna (December 5, 2023). "Lead safety advocate appeals case against Oregon investigator over withheld evidence". Courthouse News Service.
  13. ^ Moore, Shasta Kearns (August 29, 2016). "Lead-safety activist ousted from nonprofit". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023.
  14. ^ "Portland 'Fidget spinner' blogger charged with theft". November 29, 2017.
  15. ^ a b Rubin, Tamara. "Lab Reports". Lead Safe Mama. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  16. ^ a b "Stanley is being sued over lead in its cups: What to know about the risk of lead exposure". TODAY.com. February 22, 2024.
  17. ^ Rubin, Tamara. "Yes, I do phone consultations and zoom consultations (and video conferences and video speaking engagements)!". Lead Safe Mama. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
  18. ^ Kevin, Loria (May 8, 2025). "Cassava Flour, Chips, Bread, and More Contain High Levels of Lead". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
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