What is the Mass Measures study?
Mass Measures is a biomonitoring study to assess exposure to environmental chemicals in Massachusetts. Mass Measures offers free confidential testing for environmental chemicals.
DPH is conducting the Mass Measures study in 11 communities of interest across the state where people may be at higher risk of exposure to environmental chemicals. These 11 communities of interest are Brockton, Chelsea, Fall River, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Springfield, Worcester. These are environmental justice (EJ) communities. We are also partnering with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to recruit participants (ages 5 and up) across the state.
What is the purpose of the Mass Measures study?
We all have some environmental chemicals in our bodies. Higher levels of chemicals can harm our health. Mass Measures will give community members information about chemical levels in their bodies and information to help us find ways to minimize exposure to elevated levels of environmental chemicals, if needed.
Why participate?
This type of testing is not typically offered at standard medical visits. Participants will:
- Get free testing.
- Learn about possible exposures to environmental chemicals and ways to reduce exposure, if needed.
- Learn why and how these exposures could affect your health.
- Help DPH gather information to learn how best to protect communities from environmental exposures.
What will we test?
We will test blood and urine samples for common environmental chemicals: 13 metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Chemicals tested from a urine sample:
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Cadmium
- Cesium
- Cobalt
- Lead
- Mercury
- Molybdenum
- Platinum
- Thallium
- Tungsten
Chemicals tested from a blood sample:
- Cadmium
- Manganese
- Mercury
- Lead
- PCBs
What happens with test results?
After we collect blood and urine samples, DPH will:
- Analyze the samples at the State Public Health Laboratory. DPH will use the samples only for the stated purpose of this study. We will not sell or transfer samples for any other purpose.
- Share individual results with each participant confidentially.
- Analyze overall results (from all participants) to learn about patterns of exposure.
- Share a summary of anonymized state-wide results for everyone to read if they wish.
Interested in participating?
You can learn how to participate in the Mass Measures study at one of our in-person outreach events or by email at MassMeasures@mass.gov or phone at 1-866-626-4224. Visit How to Participate in the Mass Measures Study for more information.