Delaware HSS Selects ERG to Conduct PFAS Biomonitoring and Health Impact Study

Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) recently awarded ERG a contract to conduct a PFAS biomonitoring and health impact study in two Delaware counties. PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are of concern because they are toxic, do not break down easily in the environment, and have been found in many drinking water supplies. They have also been found in human blood.  

This work will build upon PFAS exposure assessment work conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in 2019 in New Castle County, Delaware. ATSDR also conducted a health care claims records review to see if people in this area who drank PFAS-contaminated water had increased incidence of health effects associated with PFAS. This DHSS contract will conduct similar studies in Delaware’s two other counties: Kent County and Sussex County. 

The three-year project will include measuring PFAS in residents’ blood, urine, and environmental media at their households (e.g., dust, soil, drinking water), as well as review health care claims records for the two counties.  

“ERG was privileged to support ATSDR’s PFAS exposure assessment in New Castle County and looks forward to supporting DHSS in expanding this important public health service to residents of Kent and Sussex Counties,” said Naida Gavrelis, Project Manager.

Learn more about ERG's biomonitoring capabilities here.