OUTDOOR LIFE – Duck hunters in the Land of Enchantment received a startling health advisory from the New Mexico Department of Health Monday.
The advisory comes on the heels of an in-depth environmental report that revealed “record-breaking levels” of forever chemicals (also known as PFAS) in ducks and other birds, along with mammals and plants in and around Holloman Lake in southern New Mexico.
Due to the extraordinarily high levels of these toxic chemicals, which pose health risks to humans, the Department is now warning all waterfowlers who’ve hunted at the Holloman Air Force Base or any other nearby waterbodies within the last 10 to 15 years to contact their doctor.
“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,” NMDOH medical director Dr. Miranda Durham said in the advisory issued earlier this week.
“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.”
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PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refers to a family of more than 15,00 chemicals that are commonly used for their waterproofing, stain resistance, and durability qualities.
Teflon is one example. These chemicals are also used in manufacturing outdoor gear, including the DWR coating found in many of today’s rain jackets.
Because of their unique atomic structure, these chemicals do not break down easily — hence the nickname “forever chemicals.” They build up in the environment, and particularly in water bodies, where they are then absorbed by plants, animals, and humans.
The situation at Holloman, however, is particularly concerning, as the 613-page report issued by the New Mexico Environment Department in early January points to some of the highest concentrations of PFAS ever recorded.
Analyzing the livers of small birds and mammals revealed staggering amounts of forever chemicals …
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