Senator Larkin Announces Launch Of Biomonitoring Program

William Larkin

September 20, 2016

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39th District) recently announced the launch of a comprehensive biomonitoring program for City of Newburgh residents that may have been exposed to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in the public drinking water supply. In consultation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the New York State Department of Health (DOH) will soon begin taking blood samples from interested Newburgh residents.

DOH will be working with local leaders, community groups, and federal partners to conduct coordinated outreach and ensure participation from a cross-section of Newburgh residents. This program will serve as a national model for understanding PFOS exposure. Newburgh residents interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to email beoe@health.ny.gov or call the Water Quality Hotline: 800-801-8092 (Monday - Friday: 9 AM – 8 PM; Saturday: 9 AM - 3 PM).

“While this is an important step we must continue to be aggressive on behalf of the greater Newburgh community. I will remain in constant communication with the Department of Health and local officials to ensure this biomonitoring program is implemented as soon as possible,” said Senator Bill Larkin.