The first meeting of the External Advisory Committee for Biomonitoring NY – Neighborhoods (BNY-Neighborhoods) was held on October 15, 2025. BNY-Neighborhoods represents the second phase of Biomonitoring NY (BNY), a statewide public health surveillance initiative conducted by scientists from the Wadsworth Center and the Center for Environmental Health (CEH). The program aims to characterize background levels of exposure to environmental contaminants among residents across New York State (excluding New York City) through human biomonitoring—analyzing blood and urine samples for contaminants or their metabolites.
The first phase of BNY, conducted from 2019 to 2025 with CDC funding, enrolled over 2,000 participants whose blood, urine, and serum samples are being analyzed for metals, pesticides, and PFAS. However, more than 80% of Phase 1 participants identified as white and/or reported annual household incomes above $100,000, limiting the representativeness of the data for New York’s diverse population.
To address these gaps, BNY-Neighborhoods, supported by a new three-year CDC grant, focuses on engaging underrepresented and disadvantaged communities through targeted outreach and alternative recruitment strategies. The newly established External Advisory Committee brings together community organization representatives, environmental scientists from academia, local health staff, and subject matter experts in the Department of Health.
The inaugural meeting was highly productive, with committee members providing valuable feedback on strategies to ensure that BNY-Neighborhoods effectively reaches and reflects all New Yorkers. Continued collaboration and regular meetings will guide implementation, monitor progress, and address challenges as they arise.