This new proposal in response to CDC NOFO RFA-EH-24-0043 seeks to build upon our previously successful application to launch Biomonitoring NY in 2019. This new proposal, "Extending New York State’s Biomonitoring Program for Assessing Disproportionate Exposure to Environmental Chemicals among Urban and Rural Communities" is intended to address Environmental Justice (EJ) issues in minority and low-income communities across Upstate NY State (outside of the NY City area) by assessing unequal human exposure to toxic industrial chemicals and contaminants, including Universal Pesticides (Organophosphates, Phenoxy Acids, and Pyrethroids), toxic Metals/Metalloids (lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic), and emerging chemicals of concern such as Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. New York is a diverse state covering almost 55,000 square miles stretching from the industrial Great Lakes region to the metropolitan NY City (NYC) area. Upstate NY has a long history of industrial development in small to mid-sized cities while the rural areas are home to much of the state’s agricultural land. Minority and low-income populations often bear a higher burden of exposure to environmental contaminants; however, they may be underrepresented in biomonitoring efforts. To address this underrepresentation, we are proposing to conduct an extensive outreach campaign, by which DOH will identify trusted community partners in EJ block groups within the selected focus areas to assist with and improve recruitment and outreach and increase trust among populations. The approach for this proposed project will focus on areas and communities identified as EJ areas, so that unequal exposures experienced by minority and low-income communities, can be fully characterized, and inform public health policy as well educate communities on how to redu
ce and mitigate those exposures.
Community-based partners will assist in outreach to and recruitment of participants from minority and low-income populations, to participate in human biomonitoring, wherein samples of urine and blood will be collected and analyzed for toxic chemicals and/or their metabolites using cutting edge techniques based on Mass Spectrometry (organic and inorganic) by the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center. DOH will leverage existing partnerships developed as part of Biomonitoring NY by collaborating with the NYS Occupational Health Clinic Network, as well as clinics associated with local health care systems, to collect participant urine and blood samples. Up to 1000 participants will be recruited from across upstate NY that will include urban and rural areas based on sampling plans developed with input from stakeholders and our External Advisory Committee for Human Biomonitoring. Tests results will be reported back to individual participants under the Wadsworth Center’s CLIA and NYS Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program permits, along with detailed explanations of what those test results mean. Aggregate exposure data will be analyzed statistically, compared to national exposure estimates as well with the new state "Biomonitoring NY" datasets as they become available, and shared with communities. Sampling from multiple urban and rural areas will result in the increased ability to track chemical exposures occurring in locations and populations across the state. The proposal will include outreach efforts to explain the project, educate the community, and communicate findings in ways that meet the needs of the communities affected by unequal environmental exposures. Results of this biomonitoring project will be used to inform public health policy, mitigate exposures among disadvantaged populations, and reduce health disparities.
