Biomonitoring NY
Biomonitoring NY seeks to learn more about levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, and heavy metals in New Yorkers. The goal of this project is to establish the typical range in New Yorkers of approximately 40 chemicals and metals in blood and urine. New York was one of six states to receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for this statewide project.
The first phase of Biomonitoring NY is nearing completion and is the largest biomonitoring project ever conducted in New York State. More than 2,000 New Yorkers participated in Biomonitoring NY across New York State. Blood and urine samples collected are currently being analyzed at Wadsworth Center Laboratory and results are being provided back to participants.
Participation
Randomly selected individuals were invited to participate and:
- Completed a consent form and filled out a participant survey about themselves and their household.
- Received a laboratory test order for blood and urine testing.
- Scheduled and completed laboratory testing.
- Provided blood and urine samples, which are being tested for PFAS, pesticides and metals. Identification and the test order form was required on the day of testing.
- Received a gift card for their participation.
New Yorkers Over Age 20 Participated from These Areas:
| Recruitment Area | Samples Collected | Recruitment Status | Cities/Town with Collection Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island | 517 | Complete | Closed |
| Mid-Hudson & Capital District | 701 | Complete | Closed |
| Central NY & Southern Tier | 285 | Complete | Syracuse, Binghamton |
| Finger Lakes & Western NY | 532 | Complete | Buffalo, Rochester, Dunkirk |
| Northern NY | 185 | Complete | Utica, Canton, Lake George |
Testing Information
Blood samples collected at clinics are being tested for 11 PFAS, and metals such as cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium. Urine samples are being tested for pesticides; organophosphates, phenoxy acids, and pyrethroids, and metals (arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cesium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, platinum, selenium, tin, thallium, tungsten, and uranium).
- PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industries; in consumer products such as food packaging, stain and water repellents, cleaning products, personal care products and paints; as well as in firefighting foam. PFAS are widely found in the environment and can stay in the human body for years.
- Pesticides are substances used to kill, repel, or control pests such as unwanted plants or animals. Pesticides include herbicides for destroying weeds and other unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling a wide variety of insects, and fungicides used to prevent the growth of molds and mildew. Because of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals in food production, people are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through their diets.
- Heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium are linked to harmful health effects and can build up in the body as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, food, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.
All Personal Information Collected is Protected and Remains Confidential
Blood and urine test results are being shared with participants after they are analyzed by the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center Laboratory. It may take several months for participants to receive results because of the number of chemicals and metals being tested in each sample. We recommend that participants discuss their biomonitoring results and individual health concerns with their health care provider.
Group-level results will be used in scientific publications, reports, and presentations in a way that protects confidentiality so that participants cannot be identified.
Questions?
Please contact the Biomonitoring NY Project Coordinator: Phone - 518-402-7950, Email - BEOE@health.ny.gov
