Report finds record-high PFAS levels in wildlife and plants

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has issued a health advisory to hunters or anyone who consumed or captured wildlife from Holloman Lake between 2010 and 2024. This follows a new environmental report revealing record-breaking levels of contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in plants and wildlife.

According to the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) report released Monday, samples show the highest PFAS levels ever recorded in any wild animal and plant worldwide.

"The levels of PFAS contamination in Holloman Lake are deeply concerning, particularly for hunters who may have consumed waterfowl from the area over the past decade," said Dr. Miranda Durham, medical director for NMDOH. "PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health problems, and we encourage anyone who has consumed game from this region and has concerns to talk to their healthcare provider."

The NMED report highlights the need for additional testing of waterfowl and oryx samples to better characterize the risk to hunters outside the immediate footprint of contamination at Holloman Lake/Holloman Air Force Base.

Potential health risks associated with exposure to PFAS include:

Increased cholesterol levels.
Reduced birth weight.
Kidney and testicular cancer.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Liver enzyme changes.

For more information about PFAS visit the New Mexico Environment Department webpage about PFAS at the following links:

PFAS in New Mexico
Talking to your doctor about exposure to PFAS
PFAS Information for Clinicians
Guidance of PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow up
How to reduce your exposure to PFAS
Report: Ecological Research on PFAS Contamination of Wildlife at Holloman Lake

Hollomon Lake, located near Alamogordo, serves as the wastewater reservoir for Holloman Air Force Base. While hunting at the lake has been prohibited since 2024, it remains open for camping and birding.