Free PFAS testing available for adults
Residents and workers surrounding Cannon Air Force Base will be able to get free blood tests to check for PFAS. The tests are available to adults who have lived or worked in certain areas around the base where PFAS have contaminated the local water supply.
After a back and forth with local dairies and the United States Air Force about PFAS contamination in local dairy supplies, more solutions are being offered to residents who might have been affected.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products, including food packaging, nonstick cookware, and certain types of fire-fighting materials. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily degrade in the environment, according to the New Mexico Environment Department. PFAS is used relatively commonly, so proof of contamination as a direct cause of Cannon’s exposure may be hard to prove. Studies have shown a link between PFAS and numerous adverse health effects, including increased cholesterol, reproductive problems, and cancer.
The free tests are being offered by the New Mexico Environment Department, the Department of Health, and the Department of Veterans’ Services. For now, the program has identified roughly 500 individuals who may have been exposed to higher levels of PFAS compared to the surrounding residents of Clovis. The actual amount of contamination via groundwater is unknown, and the program is working on expanding the tests to surroundings citizens as well. At this time, only current New Mexico adults who have worked or lived around Cannon Air Force Base are eligible for PFAS testing. If future testing is warranted, the state may increase eligibility outside this initial area. Testing will be performed during two periods: Sept. 12 through Sept. 18, and Oct. 3 through Oct. 9. Participants will have a one-teaspoon-size blood sample taken, and it will be tested for 33 different PFAS. Results will follow in the coming months.
The state agencies will host a public meeting starting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Clovis Civic Center (801 Schepps Blvd., Clovis, New Mexico 88101) to share information about how to make an appointment to get tested.
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