Massachusetts Department of Public Health Offering Free Environmental Exposure Testing
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering free, confidential testing for environmental chemicals through a statewide study called Mass Measures. Mass Measures is a biomonitoring program designed to help residents better understand their exposure to certain environmental chemicals that may be found in air, water, food, and everyday products. These chemicals can affect health, particularly at higher levels.
What Is Being Tested?
Participants may be tested for common environmental chemicals, including:
- Metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Testing is done using small blood and/or urine samples and is not typically offered during routine medical visits.
Who Can Participate?
The study is open to Massachusetts residents ages 5 and up. DPH is working with communities across the state, including environmental justice communities, and is also recruiting participants statewide through community health centers.
Why Participate?
Participants will:
- Receive free testing and confidential individual results
- Learn about possible environmental exposures and ways to reduce them, if needed
- Help DPH better understand environmental exposures and protect public health statewide
Privacy and Use of Results
All test results are shared confidentially with participants. DPH will also analyze statewide data in an anonymous way to identify broader trends. Samples are used only for this study and are not sold or shared.
How to Learn More or Sign Up
Residents interested in participating or learning more can:
- Call 866‑626‑4224
- Email [email protected]
- Visit www.mass.gov/mass-measures
Participation is voluntary, and all testing is provided at no cost.