Blood testing for PFAS to start in Clovis

New Mexico Environment Department Sec. James Kenney speaks with residents in Curry County at a Aug. 27 informational meeting about blood testing for PFAS. The state is starting two rounds of blood tests. (Courtesy of the New Mexico Environment Department, Drew Goretzka)

State environment and health agencies are starting blood testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in Clovis on Thursday, the first of two rounds of testing.

Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, are a class of manmade chemicals used in the manufacture of everything from rugs to cookware, and many more everyday goods. The chemicals are resistant to breaking down in nature. Since they can accumulate in water and soils and move through the food chain, and are found in the blood of many people and animals across the world.

While their harms are still being studied, PFAS has been linked to decreased fertility, fetal developmental delays, increases in certain cancer risk, and disruption of immune responses and hormones, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

New Mexico has several PFAS contamination sites. One of the most severe is at Cannon Air Force Base after decades of use of firefighting foams that contain the toxic chemical contaminated the groundwater on the base and several private wells.

At the end of August, state agencies hosted a public information session about the effort to test Curry County residents in the areas surrounding Cannon Air Force Base. 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.

The first round of blood testing will be Thursday Sept. 12 though Wednesday, Sept. 18. A second round will be held in October.

There are 500 slots available between the two blood testing events, said Kate Cardenas, who operates community engagement for the New Mexico Environment Department.

Cardenas said about 80 people attended the informational meeting and more than 230 have made an appointment.

The agencies are still hoping to fill 35 slots for the September round. To make an appointment call (575) 575-7327.

Testing is limited to adult residents living in the south-central area surrounding the base. That area is bordered by Curry Road 11 to the north, from Curry Road L to Curry Road T, east to west, and ends at the county line.

The tests are free and confidential, according to the department’s website, and will require a teaspoon-sized blood sample to test for 33 variants of PFAS used in firefighting foams and other goods.

Results are estimated to be available in the next three to four months following the appointment.

Participants will receive a $25 gift card for completing the appointment.