New York State Department of Health Announces Free Newburgh Blood Testing Program for PFOS Exposure Extended through December 31

Additional 8 weeks of the first round of testing will allow any resident who has not been tested to be able to do so

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 6, 2017) - The New York State Department of Health today announced the state's Blood Testing Program for Newburgh residents has been extended through December 31, 2017. The additional eight weeks will allow any resident with concerns about their past exposures to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from the City's drinking water the opportunity to have their blood tested for free.

As part of the state's ongoing response to address drinking water contamination in the Newburgh, the Department of Health launched the comprehensive blood testing program in November 2016. The program offers free blood testing to Newburgh-area residents concerned about their past exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from the City's drinking water. PFOS analysis is a complex process requiring sophisticated equipment and specialized staff. The Department of Health's Wadsworth Center Laboratories is one of the few labs in the country performing this task.

To date, more than 3,275 people in the Newburgh area have had their blood levels tested. While the blood test for PFOS exposure does not determine current, or future health effects, it can be used to measure levels of exposure to the chemicals. The Department has worked with Newburgh-area medical professionals to answer questions and better prepare them to answer questions from their patients.

"The State's free blood testing program has allowed residents who are concerned about past exposure to PFOS to gain an understanding of their blood levels and how they compare to others in their community," Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said. "Extending the opportunity to take part in this program adds to the state's robust outreach efforts over the past year to ensure that everyone who wants a blood test receives one."

Residents seeking to participate in the blood testing program can do so by calling 1-800-801-8092 to request a laboratory order. Once residents receive their lab order, they can take it to one of the participating community sites to have their blood drawn. Each site has different policies about making appointments (including online or by phone).

The patient service centers where testing is available are:

Residents who would like more information about the State's response to PFOS in the Newburgh area can call the dedicated hotline at 1-800-801-8092. Representatives are available to answer questions between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday – Friday.

A public availability session will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017to discuss blood testing, and information about private well testing investigations in the Towns of Newburgh and New Windsor.

Location:

  • SUNY ORANGE
    Newburgh Campus
    Kaplan Hall – Great Room
    1 Washington Center
    Newburgh, NY 12550
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Information about the blood testing program can also be found on the NYSDOH website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/newburgh/

The statewide Water Quality Rapid Response Team's comprehensive response to PFOS in the Newburgh area includes swiftly identifying PFOS contamination in the City of Newburgh public water supply, securing a clean alternative water source, and listing the Stewart Air National Guard Base as a state Superfund site to ensure full clean-up and accountability. The New York State Department of Health continues to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to notify Newburgh area residents of the availability of blood testing.