US Air Force base linked to toxic PFAS in blood, water, and farms
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A recent state report reveals dangerously high levels of PFAS in the blood of residents near Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County, New Mexico.
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A US Air Force CV-22 in its turboprop aircraft configuration, photo undated (US Air Force)
A new study conducted by New Mexico state regulators has found alarming levels of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals", in the blood of people living or working near Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County. Blood PFAS concentrations in these individuals were found to be nearly 10 times higher than in residents outside the contaminated zone, prompting widespread concern.
The contamination has been linked to PFAS-laden firefighting foam historically used by the US military, which has polluted drinking water sources in the region.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used to make products water, grease, and stain-resistant. Exposure has been associated with a range of serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and immune system suppression.
According to the study, about 99% of the 628 blood samples tested contained PFAS, with compounds commonly found in firefighting foam among the most prevalent. One compound, PFHxS, was found at more than three times the national average in those residing in the polluted area. Approximately 26% of participants were in the highest tier for PFAS levels nationwide.
“These results put heartbreak into hard facts,” said James Kenney, Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department. “This evidence of the harm the US Air Force has done to its neighbors is a call to action.”
Read more: Coffee, eggs, and rice linked to higher PFAS levels
Legal action against US Air Force
The state of New Mexico is suing the US Air Force in an effort to compel a faster and more comprehensive cleanup of the contamination. Despite assurances that the military is taking steps to install water treatment systems, officials say the response remains insufficient.
The pollution has already contaminated over 100 private wells and impacted a public well serving Clovis, a city of nearly 40,000 people.
Surface water in the area showed PFAS levels about 27,000 times higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency’s limits for drinking water. The contaminated water has been used to irrigate local cropland, raising concerns about the safety of agricultural products.
In a notable 2018 case, local dairy farmers were forced to euthanize 3,500 cows after discovering PFAS contamination in their milk, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the crisis.
National concern over PFAS contamination
Experts warn that what has happened in Curry County could be a preview of similar crises nationwide. PFAS contamination from military firefighting foam has already affected over 700 bases across the US, but blood testing for surrounding populations is not routinely conducted.
“This could happen in any town in the USA,” Kenney warned. “We should all pay attention, because it’s your water and your family next.”
Read more: Canadian prof develops way to remove forever chemicals from water
Firefighting foam as primary source
David Andrews, Chief Science Officer at the Environmental Working Group, confirmed that the blood PFAS levels in Curry County are consistent with patterns seen in other locations polluted by military-grade firefighting foam.
“Definitely with higher concentrations, there’s higher concern for the health impacts,” Andrews said. He recommended that individuals with elevated levels consult with healthcare providers and refer to the US National Academies' guidance on PFAS health risks.
Read more: US military on track to become major global polluter: RS
