Two PFAS Health Screenings In Portsmouth

Member news from the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth:

May 18, 2021

DISCLAIMER: The following content wasn't created by, but is being shared by the Chamber Collaborative.

Shared with the Chamber by Portsmouth Community Assistance Panel - Testing for Pease

Did you or someone you know work or attend daycare at the Pease Tradeport before 2014?

If so, you may have been exposed to a potentially hazardous chemical and environmental contaminant known as PFAS. It has been designated as a "forever chemical" because it resists the natural breakdown and dissipation process.

Before 2014, the drinking water and any beverage made with the drinking water at the Pease Tradeport was contaminated with PFAS.

There are currently two different PFAS health studies being offered to the Pease community. One is called the Pease Study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) branch agency - The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR). This study is recruiting adults (18+) and kids (ages 5-17) who were working or attending daycare at the Pease Tradeport between 2004 and 2014.

The second study is called PFAS-REACH by Silent Spring Institute, and they are recruiting preschool-aged children currently aged 4-6 whose mothers worked on the Pease Tradeport before 2014. The studies require a one-time blood draw and questionnaire to be completed. The health screenings are taking place here in Portsmouth. Both studies offer gift cards ranging from $50-$100.

For information about both PFAS health studies, please access this website: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/activities/pease/2-pfas-health-studies.html.

If you think you, a loved one, or a friend may have been exposed, please contact: the CDC Pease Study office at (603) 846-6192 and/or the PFAS-REACH office at (617) 600-8348 (call or text).

This press release was produced by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. The views expressed are the author's own.