Maloney Gets Blood Tested for PFOS Exposure

NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney says those concerned about possible PFOS exposure should get tested.

"I'm trying to get the word out that all the residents of Newburgh and people who live in the city of Newburgh should take advantage of this free opportunity," he said."

The state health department is offering free blood testing in Newburgh, after the city's water supply was found to be contaminated. Maloney stopped by Cornerstone Health on Broadway for blood work Monday, and said all Newburgh residents should do the same.

"So we can get a good understanding of whether we're dealing with something that should concern us or not," Maloney explained. "We're cautiously optimistic that we won't see anything that will alarm us, but we don't want to happy-talk it; we want to know for sure."

High levels of PFOS were found in Newburgh's main drinking water source in May. While the effects of exposure remain unclear, a blood test will give people an idea of how much, if any is in their system, so that they can discuss next steps with their doctors.

Maloney's challenger for the 18th Congressional District seat, Phil Oliva, is calling this a campaign stunt, saying the timing was no coincidence.

"Seems rather odd that he's doing it one day before the election," Oliva said. "It also seems to be more political theater from Sean Patrick Maloney."

Maloney says his record on the issue speaks for itself.

"Any suggestion that this is political ignores the urgency of this issue and the last six months of work on this," said the congressman. "So I think that's a silly statement during a silly political season."

The source of the contamination is believed to be Stewart Air National Guard base, which was made a state superfund site to try to prioritize the cleanup. Meanwhile, Newburgh has switched its water source to the Catskill Aqueduct.