New Mexico finds toxic “forever chemicals” in 99.7% of residents tested near air base
By isabelle // 2025-10-27
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  • Nearly all residents tested near Cannon Air Force Base have PFAS in their blood.
  • Groundwater contamination near the base exceeds the EPA safety limit by over 650,000%.
  • The state is suing the federal government over cleanup costs due to military inaction.
  • New Mexico is spending millions to connect affected residents to a safe public water supply.
  • PFAS exposure is linked to serious health issues like cancer and suppressed immune function.
In a shocking revelation that exposes the widespread threat of toxic "forever chemicals," New Mexico officials reported that 99.7% of residents tested near Cannon Air Force Base have PFAS in their blood. The findings from a $1.2 million state-funded testing program, presented at an October 23 public meeting in Clovis, confirm a massive public health crisis linked to military contamination. This disaster highlights a catastrophic failure of federal oversight, leaving states and citizens to fend for themselves against a pollution source that has poisoned water, land, and human bodies. The blood testing program analyzed 628 residents living near the plume of contamination seeping from Cannon Air Force Base. At least one of 16 different PFAS chemicals was found in every participant. The most common chemicals detected were those associated with firefighting foam, directly pointing to the military base as the source. This contamination is not a minor issue; state officials reported detecting PFAS in groundwater at concentrations of 26,200 parts per trillion.

A staggering level of contamination

To understand the severity, the Environmental Protection Agency’s legally enforceable level for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most notorious PFAS chemicals, is just 4 parts per trillion. The contamination at Cannon exceeds this standard by over 650,000%. These synthetic chemicals, known as PFAS, resist breaking down in the environment and accumulate in the human body. They have been linked to serious health problems including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and suppressed immune function. The Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force notably did not participate in the state’s testing program. This absence speaks volumes about the accountability and transparency of federal agencies tasked with protecting public health. Instead of cooperation, the state of New Mexico is locked in litigation with the U.S. Defense Department over the damage caused by the contamination. James Kenney, secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, addressed the community’s frustration. "We need the whole of New Mexico to stand up and say we’ve had it," Kenney said at the gathering. He confirmed the state has sued the federal government to pay the long-term cleanup costs, calling the contamination plume a "ward of the state" due to the military's inaction.

State steps up as feds fail

While the federal government drags its feet, New Mexico is taking action to protect its citizens. Kenney announced the state has dedicated $12 million to connect residents of rural Curry County to clean water lines, aiming to transfer them from contaminated private wells to a safe public water supply. "We hope it turns out to be a zero-cost proposition to you," Kenney told residents. The blood test results aligned with national data, showing that PFAS levels tend to increase with age, are higher in males, and are elevated in those with military or aviation careers. John Wilhelmi, vice president of the Eastern Research Group, which conducted the testing, offered a cautious note. "It doesn’t mean you will automatically get these diseases or conditions," he said. "It just means that, out of an abundance of caution, you are recommended to be screened for this." This crisis in New Mexico is a microcosm of a national scandal. A peer-reviewed study indicated that more than 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their drinking water. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence, contaminating everything from drinking water to food packaging and personal care products. They are found in the blood of virtually everyone on Earth. The military's legacy of PFAS pollution is a national security threat in itself. A report revealed that more than 600,000 troops were exposed to these toxic chemicals in drinking water largely contaminated by PFAS-laden firefighting foam. Cleaning up this mess at U.S. military bases could cost at least $10 billion, while removing PFAS from national drinking water supplies could add over $3.2 billion annually to the bill. Every American community located near a current or former military site needs to pay close attention to what is happening in New Mexico. The situation reveals a disturbing pattern of federal negligence and corporate malfeasance, where poisons are released into the environment with no plan for cleanup and little regard for human life. The people of New Mexico are now living with the consequences in their bloodstreams, a toxic testament to a system that has failed to protect them. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com ABCNews.go.com SourceNM.com TheGuardian.com
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