State officials are offering Newburgh’s 28,000 residents free blood testing in a response to the PFOS contamination. PFOS is a chemical linked to cancer and other serious health issues. In May 2016 the city of Newburgh declared a state of emergency after it was discovered the city’s water source no longer met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFOS limit.
If you are a Newburgh resident your encouraged to take advantage of the free testing program: “…the state Department of Health (DOH) has launched a comprehensive biomonitoring program for all interested residents in the Newburgh area that will serve as a national model for understanding PFOS exposure. DOH has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Newburgh community groups, and local elected officials to develop the program and ensure participation. If you are interested in learning more or having your blood tested, please e-mail beoe@health.ny.gov, call 518-402-7950 during business hours, or call the Water Quality Hotline at 1-800-801-8092.”– City of Newburgh