A recent study conducted in New Mexico has revealed that 99.7% of participants living or working near Cannon Air Force Base have detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood. The study, which tested 628 individuals in Curry County, was funded by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) at a cost of $1.2 million.
The findings show that residents near the base's contamination plume are three times more likely to have elevated PFAS levels. The most commonly detected chemicals include PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA, all historically used in firefighting foams.
Data from the study suggests a strong correlation between the base's contamination and the blood levels found in participants. Those living within the plume area showed significantly higher concentrations, with 26% falling into the highest concentration tier based on national guidelines.
Environment Department Secretary James Kenney said, "The results put heartbreak into hard facts," calling for immediate action to address the toxic PFAS plume affecting Curry County families. Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie emphasized that the report adds to evidence showing health damage from PFAS-laden foams used by the Air Force.
PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the body and environment, linked to various health risks such as cancers and reproductive issues. At Cannon Air Force Base, groundwater contamination exceeds state and federal standards by over 650,000%, resulting in a four-mile toxic plume southeast of the base.
In response, NMED and NMDOH are implementing measures including a $12 million project to connect private well users to public water systems and providing health recommendations for those with high PFAS levels. They will also continue testing wells and educating healthcare providers about PFAS effects.
A public meeting is scheduled for October 23 to discuss these findings further. NMED is pursuing legal action against the U.S. Air Force over its role in creating this environmental issue.
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