Cannon Air Force Base PFAS Contamination: Blood Testing for Residents and Personnel

New Mexico expands its investigation into PFAS contamination near Cannon Air Force Base by offering blood testing for residents and personnel. The aim is to assess potential exposure to these harmful forever chemicals linked to health issues.

In a significant development, the New Mexico Environment Department has announced plans to conduct blood tests for hundreds of residents and personnel stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in eastern New Mexico. This expanded investigation aims to assess the extent of contamination from a group of persistent chemicals known as PFAS, which have been linked to various health concerns.

Blood Testing and Surveys

The department intends to host two events in the spring, where up to 500 adult volunteers residing within a few miles of Cannon Air Force Base will have their blood drawn and tested for PFAS. Additionally, surveys will be conducted to determine potential exposure risks for individuals living near the base.

Understanding PFAS and its Risks

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to degradation in the environment and their ability to accumulate in the human bloodstream.

Exposure to PFAS has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, thyroid disease, and other health problems. The widespread presence of PFAS at military installations across the United States has resulted in substantial cleanup costs, estimated to reach billions of dollars.

State and Federal Response

New Mexico officials have already allocated over $8 million to address PFAS contamination at Cannon and Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico. These costs include site assessment, cleanup, litigation, and other related expenses. The U.S. Air Force has also invested more than $67 million in its response to PFAS contamination at Cannon.

In early 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first federal limits on PFAS in drinking water, setting the standards at the lowest detectable levels. New Mexico had previously petitioned the EPA to classify PFAS as hazardous substances.

Ongoing Tensions and Mitigation Efforts

The state of New Mexico and the U.S. Department of Defense have been engaged in discussions regarding responsibilities for mitigating PFAS contamination at military installations, including Cannon and Holloman Air Force bases. The Highland Dairy in Clovis, located near Cannon, was forced to euthanize over 3,000 cows in 2022 due to PFAS contamination in the herd and the milk they produced.

Cannon Air Force Base held a public meeting in November to provide updates on their efforts to address PFAS contamination. Ongoing work includes determining the nature and extent of contamination on and off the base, conducting soil and water sampling, installing monitoring wells, and planning for the construction of a treatment plant.

Private Well Testing and Results

In a separate initiative, the New Mexico Environment Department offered testing for PFAS in private domestic wells across the state last year. The results, obtained in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, revealed that PFAS compounds were not detected in the majority of wells tested.

The expanded investigation into PFAS contamination near Cannon Air Force Base underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of residents and military personnel. By conducting blood tests, surveys, and implementing mitigation strategies, New Mexico aims to address the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure and protect its citizens from the adverse effects of these persistent chemicals.