The Department of Health has added several testing dates to the existing City of Newburgh PFOS screening dates. Fewer than 300 residents have been tested thus far; while close to 3,000 residents (City of Newburgh residents and residents from surrounding towns) have requested blood tests to determine if they were exposed to harmful amounts of PFOS.
PFOS is a pollutant that could have a number of harmful health effects, including certain types of cancers and chronic kidney issues. In May 2016 City of Newburgh residents were notified that the city’s public drinking water was contaminated with PFOS. Residents are highly encouraged to take advantage of free testing. The additional test dates are:
- Tuesday, Dec. 13
- Thursday, Dec. 15
- Saturday, Dec. 17
- Tuesday, Dec. 20
Testing will take place at Cornerstone Family Healthcare, 147 Lake St. in Newburgh. The Department of Health is expected to announce additional January dates.