This project, undertaken through the Data Visualization course at GSAPP, was conceived as an addendum to the team’s Advanced IV Studio projects. The studio, sited in Newburgh, NY, focuses on ecological challenges in the area. Water safety in Newburgh has been a significant issue since 2014, when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation discovered high levels of PFOS in the Newburgh water supply and reported it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This project seeks to make clear the known contaminants in natural water bodies in Newburgh, whether intended for drinking water or not, spatialize waterbody contamination in Newburgh, and convey the potential health risks of consuming contaminated water.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a chemical manufactured in the United States from about 1949 until its phase out began in about 2000. PFOS was the key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents for clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
PFOS was also used in paper, waxes, polishes, paints, varnishes, and cleaning products. In addition, PFOS has been a key ingredient in firefighting foam.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) identified Stewart Air National Guard Base as a source of the PFOS contamination detected in the area and in the City of Newburgh public drinking water supply. DEC has continued to investigate other sources of contamination at Lake Washington, Brown’s Pond, the Quassaick Creek, and along the Hudson River.
The Newburgh water supply is no longer sourced from Lake Washington or Brown’s Pond, instead receiving water from the Catskill Aqueduct (a source of NYC water) since June 2016. However, Newburgh residents were exposed to elevated level of PFOS for a period of at least 3-4 years. The EPA had set a health advisory of 200 ppt of PFOS and 400 ppt of PFOA, but reduced the number to 70 ppt of PFOS in May 2016.
The health effects of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA have been more widely studied than other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some, but not all, studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain PFAS may:
affect child development (low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations, behavior problems, learning disabilities), lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body’s natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, increase the risk of cancer (testicular, kidney).
For specific questions about blood testing and to participate in the biomonitoring program:
Email: beoe@health.ny.gov
ph: 518-402-7950
For specific questions about potential health effects of PFOS exposure:
Email: btsa@health.ny.gov
ph: 518-402-7800
For specific questions about the public water supply:
Email: bpwsp@health.ny.gov
ph: 518-402-7650
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791
Sean Patrick Maloney:
Representative (D-NY 18th District)
ph: 845-561-1259
https://seanmaloney.house.gov/
EPA Region 1 Customer Service Line
ph:888-372-7341
Environmental Justice Hotline
ph:800-962-6215
www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Pfas Health Effects
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects.html
Drinking Water Health Advisories
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-06/documents/drinkingwaterhealthadvisories_pfoa_pfos_updated_5.31.16.pdf
FAQ: City of Newburgh PFOS Contamination
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/newburgh/docs/faq.pdf
An Overview of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Interim Guidance for Clinicians Responding to Patient Exposure Concerns
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfc/docs/pfas_clinician_fact_sheet_508.pdf
PFOS in Drinking Water in Newburgh Area
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/newburgh/index.htm