Interdepartmental collaboration creates first-of-its kind human and environmental dataset

By Amanda Cosser, MPH, BiomonitoringNH Program Administrator

In partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NHDES, and New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services, the New Hampshire APPLETREE (ATSDR’s Partnership to Promote Local Efforts to Reduce Environmental Exposures) program responded to uranium detected in routine groundwater sampling in Hooksett. The team conducted additional testing and drafted a report with recommendations and coordinated a presentation to town officials and community members in April, 2021. In addition, a summary document was created and resources are all available on Hooksett’s official website.   

The testing showed that Hooksett residents are more likely to be exposed to high levels of uranium and radon compared to other New Hampshire residents. Some residents are also exposed to other contaminants of concern common in New Hampshire, including arsenic, manganese and PFAS. Health-based recommendations included additional water testing, home air testing for radon gas, and installation of treatment where indicated by results.

The APPLETREE team continues to work with the Town of Hooksett. Subsequent meetings in fall 2021 led to NHDES participation in Hooksett’s ongoing efforts to reduce exposures through drinking water. These include exploration of alternative drinking water infrastructure and planning of community testing and education events.

The APPLETREE team includes staff from NHDES and DPHS. They have expertise in health risk assessment, toxicology, epidemiology, health education, community engagement and project management. Through funding from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), they can work with communities to reduce exposure to environmental hazards and, in turn, reduce risk for negative health outcomes associated with exposure. Contact Robert Thistle at robert.thistle@des.nh.gov to learn more.