NM agencies host informational meeting for future PFAS blood testing in Clovis

Contractors move equipment as part of a 2021 study of removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) from the aquifer under Cannon Air Force base, near Clovis, New Mexico. (Courtesy U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maxwell Daigle)

New Mexico state environmental, health and veterans agencies will host a public meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in Clovis ahead of free blood testing for “forever chemicals” to residents in the next two months.

Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (often called PFAS) are a set of manmade chemicals used in manufacturing of everyday goods for decades. Because they are resistant to break down, PFAS can accumulate in water and are found in the blood of many people and animals.

While research into the health harms is relatively new, PFAS has been linked to decreased fertility, fetal developmental delays; increase the risks for certain types of cancer, and interference with immune response and hormones, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Meeting information

What: Informational meeting for Curry County residents about free and confidential blood testing for PFAS in September and October

When: 6 p.m.
Where: Clovis Civic Center 801 Schepps Blvd., Clovis, New Mexico 88101

A spokesperson at the New Mexico Environment Department said a livestream will be available on the agency’s YouTube page .

PFAS firefighting foam used for decades at Cannon Air Force Base contaminated the groundwater and several nearby wells. This included a well that served a dairy, which necessitated the slaughter of thousands of one farmer’s cows .

The state may increase eligibility for tests outside the initial area if there’s a further need, according to a news release.

There will be no blood tests at the public meeting at the Clovis Civic Center. The meeting Tuesday night will offer information for people interested in participating and making appointments.

Testing is only open to current New Mexico residents within south-central Curry County surrounding Cannon Air Force Base. That area is Curry Road 11 to the north, from Curry Road L to Curry Road T, east to west, to the Curry County border.

EPCOR Water Utility, which provides Clovis’ water, said in its 2023 annual consumer report that the level of PFAs in the city’s drinking water is deemed safe.

New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney said while PFAS is common in people’s blood, residents living near Cannon Air Force Base may be at a significantly higher risk because of contaminated groundwater.

“This blood testing project allows residents to be more aware of their contamination level and consult with their healthcare provider in how to manage its potential effects,” Kenney stated in the news release.

The blood testing will be performed from Thursday, Sept. 12 through Wednesday, Sept. 18, and again on Thursday, Oct. 3 through Wednesday, Oct. 9. The testing is free and confidential, the news release said. A laboratory will require a teaspoon-sized blood sample to test for 33 types of PFAS used in firefighting foams and other goods.

New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen said family health history may mean further tests are ordered by a personal doctor.

“Issues broadly ranging from high cholesterol, and pregnancy concerns, to types of certain cancers all play a role in what actions your health provider may recommend,” Allen said in the news release.

Results of the tests will be available in three to four months after the appointment. The agencies will provide participants with a $25 physical gift card after completing an appointment.