BiomonitoringNH Projects

2019 - 2024 Projects

1. The BiomonitoringNH Program is conducting a targeted investigation into NH children's lead exposure. NH law requires lead testing for all children at ages one and two, and for those between 24 and 72 months who haven't been tested. Lead testing is mainly done at a child’s wellness visit and involves a finger-stick test. A blood lead level at or above 5ug/dL is considered elevated (EBLL). This result needs to be confirmed using venous blood (having a blood draw) because even with washing, a child’s hand can still have enough lead on it to contaminate the test. The NH Healthy Homes & Lead Poisoning Prevention (HHLPP) Program conducts case investigations for confirmed cases to reduce lead exposure. However, not all children complete confirmation testing, which means they may have ongoing lead exposure. Additionally, NH HHLPP Program's 2022 Lead Exposure Data Brief highlights higher lead exposure among Medicaid-covered children and that these children are less likely to complete the finger-stick test. The Lead Exposure Assessment & eDucation (LEAD) Project aims to test these two groups of vulnerable NH children along with their household members. Participants receive compensation for their time and educational materials to reduce lead exposure.
2. The BiomonitoringNH Program will collaborate with the United States Geological Survey and the DPHS Environmental Public Health Tracking Section to explore exposure to uranium, arsenic, and other metals in areas at increased risk for uranium groundwater contamination. BiomonitoringNH will invite residents who use private well water at home from ten areas of the state.  Resident urine will be tested for 22 metals, private well water will be tested for metals and water quality indicators, and home air will be tested for radon.

2014 - 2019 Projects

1. A targeted public health study looking at arsenic and uranium in well water and whether those chemicals are getting into people’s bodies in our state.
2. A statewide surveillance public health study looking at many different metals, pesticides, and other environmental chemicals such as tobacco smoke.

Why participate in a Biomonitoring project?

You can learn about the chemicals you come into contact with, so you can make informed choices to reduce your exposure.

The information can help evaluate and make changes to public policy and interventions to protect you and your community from environmental chemicals.

Your participation will help add valuable information to learn more about the relationship between chemical exposures, body burden, and health, as well as advance our knowledge in science and public health.