Joint Statement from Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, Senator William Larkin, Assemblyman Frank Skartados, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus and City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy Regarding Launch of Newburgh Biomonitoring Program

We are pleased to announce 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).