According to Brad Hutton, the deputy commissioner of public health, the elevated levels are mostly due to behavioral and lifestyle factors.

"One major finding is that higher rates of smoking in the communities are the likely explanation for the higher rates of lung cancer and bladder cancer," said Hutton.

MORE: Health officials: Smoking, obesity linked to high cancer rates in Suffolk communities

Hutton says researchers used broad data from the Suffolk Water Authority and the results of air tests from just outside the areas specified on the investigation, instead of conducting their own research.

Gov. Cuomo is funding a  $675,000 grant that will be used to identify smoking cessation programs and increase the use of lung cancer screening.