NEWBURGH – Blood testing of Newburgh city residents to determine if they have any health issues from the PFOS chemical found in Washington Lake will begin early next month. State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney announced the dates for the initial testing.
The first tests will be scheduled for residents who expressed interest in participating in testing at public meetings or contacted the state Department of Health.
City residents and officials have been crying out for speedy voluntary
blood testing since Washington Lake was found to have high levels of the
carcinogenic chemical, which was apparently originating from the New York
Air National Guard Base at nearby Stewart Airport.
Mayor Judy Kennedy is glad to see the testing begin.
“In government time, it’s fast,” Kennedy said. “I know people want everything to happen much faster, but from a government perspective the state has moved along, I think, as fast as they could given the situation.”
The first blood tests will be held at the Cornerstone Family Healthcare locations at 147 Lake Street and 290 Broadway in Newburgh.
Testing will be held at 147 Lake Street on:
Tuesday, November 1
Wednesday, November 2
Thursday, November 3
Saturday, November 12
Saturday, November 19
Testing will be held at 290 Broadway on:
Monday, November 7
Thursday, November 10
Participation and results from the initial tests will assist in the development of a full comprehensive program that will include wide outreach to the community, blood tests in several locations and educational materials in English, Spanish and Creole.
Persons wanting to preregister for an appointment may call 518-402-7950 or email BEOE@health.ny.gov .
