Current:Home > StocksBlood tests offered in New Mexico amid query into ‘forever chemical’ contamination at military bases-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Blood tests offered in New Mexico amid query into ‘forever chemical’ contamination at military bases
View Date:2025-01-11 05:25:59
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Hundreds of residents and personnel stationed at a U.S. Air Force base in eastern New Mexico will be able to have their blood tested as state officials expand their investigation into contamination from a group of compounds known as “forever chemicals.”
The New Mexico Environment Department announced Tuesday that it is searching for a contractor that can conduct the tests in the spring. The idea is to host two events where up to 500 adult volunteers living within a few miles of Cannon Air Force Base will have a small amount of blood drawn and tested for PFAS.
Surveys also will be done to determine any potential exposure for those living near the base.
PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to cancer and other health problems in humans. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade in the environment and remain in the bloodstream.
The chemicals have been detected at hundreds of military installations across the United States, resulting in what will be billions of dollars in cleanup costs. New Mexico officials said contamination at Cannon and at Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico already has cost the state over $8 million in site assessment, cleanup, litigation and other costs.
The Air Force has spent more than $67 million on its response to PFAS contamination at Cannon so far.
State Environment Secretary James Kenney said PFAS chemicals are used in so many consumer products that it’s likely most New Mexicans will have some amount in their blood. Those who live near military bases may be at higher risk, he said.
“This data will help us quantify if there are greater risks and inform how we better protect New Mexicans,” Kenney said in a statement.
In early 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits on forever chemicals in drinking water, limiting them to the lowest level that tests can detect. New Mexico had previously petitioned the agency to treat PFAS as hazardous.
The state of New Mexico and the U.S. Department of Defense have been at odds over responsibilities for mitigating PFAS contamination at installations including Cannon and Holloman Air Force bases.
Near Cannon, the Highland Dairy in Clovis euthanized more than 3,000 cows in 2022 after confirmation of PFAS contamination in the herd — and the milk the cows produced.
Officials at Cannon held a meeting in November to update the public on their efforts. They are in the process of determining the nature and extent of contamination on and off the base. The work has included soil and water samples as well as the installation of monitoring wells. Plans also call for eventually building a treatment plant.
Last year, the New Mexico Environment Department also offered to test for PFAS in private domestic wells across the state. Results from that sampling effort, done with the help of the U.S. Geological Survey, showed that PFAS compounds were not detected in the majority of wells tested.
veryGood! (89438)
Related
- College football Week 12 expert picks for every Top 25 game include SEC showdowns
- Understanding 403(b) Plans for Builders Legacy Advance Investment Education Foundation
- Joe Jellybean Bryant, Philadelphia basketball great and father of Kobe, dies at 69
- See Wheel of Fortune Host Ryan Seacrest During First Day on Set After Pat Sajak's Exit
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- Where does JD Vance stand on key economic issues?
- Wildfire in Hawaii that threatened 200 homes, prompted evacuations, contained
- Why Messi didn't go to Argentina to celebrate Copa America title: Latest injury update
- Tua Tagovailoa playing with confidence as Miami Dolphins hope MNF win can spark run
- California prison on emergency generator power following power outage amid heat wave
Ranking
- Opinion: Chris Wallace leaves CNN to go 'where the action' is. Why it matters
- Jarren Duran’s 2-run HR gives AL a 5-3 win over NL in All-Star Game started by rookie pitcher Skenes
- Emma Roberts Shares Son Rhodes' First School Photo
- Michael D.David: The Essence of Investing in U.S. Treasuries.
- Will Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve, gets engaged to girlfriend Amanda Dubin
- What Ant Anstead Is Up to Amid Ex Christina Hall's Divorce From Josh Hall
- Remains of World War II POW who died in the Philippines returned home to California
- Cody Johnson sings anthem smoothly at All-Star Game a night after Ingris Andress’ panned rendition
Recommendation
-
Duke basketball vs Kentucky live updates: Highlights, scores, updates from Champions Classic
-
North Carolina House Democratic deputy leader Clemmons to resign from Legislature
-
Emma Roberts Shares Son Rhodes' First School Photo
-
Kennedy apologizes after a video of him speaking to Trump leaks
-
Joey Graziadei Details Why Kelsey Anderson Took a Break From Social Media
-
Innovatech Investment Education Foundation: Empowering Investors through Advanced Education and Technology
-
Sen. Bob Menendez convicted in bribery trial; New Jersey Democrat found guilty of accepting gold bars and cash
-
High school coach in California accused of texting minors to commit sex crimes