Discover The Biomonitoring NY Program: Monitoring Body Chemicals

Have you ever heard of Biomonitoring? It's a measurement of chemicals in human body fluids and tissues, such as blood, urine, breast milk, saliva, and hair according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It just so happens that the New York State Department of Health has a Biomonitoring NY program. New York is one of six states that is receiving funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This program is designed to learn about levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, and heavy metals in residents of the Empire State, according to the NYS Department of Health to establish the typical range in New Yorkers of approximately 40 chemicals and metals in blood and urine.

Five recruitment areas in New York State were set up for participants to volunteer, including Long Island, the North Country, Mid-Hudson/Capital District, Western New York/Finger Lakes, and Central & Southern Tier.

Three areas are still active studies including Central NY/Southern Tier with clinics in Syracuse and Binghamton. Persons 20 and older are eligible to participate and are selected at random. Participation is free.

According to the NYS Department of Health, those who are randomly selected, receive a welcome letter that contains project information and the steps needed to take to enroll.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the New York State Department of Health website.