Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used for a large number of purposes since the 1950s.
PFAS have been used in food packaging, cleaning products, stain resistant carpet treatments, nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, among other products.
Due to the widespread use of PFAS and the fact that they bioaccumulate, they are found in the bodies of people and animals all over the world, as well as ground and surface water.
The health effects of these emerging contaminants are still being studied, but research indicates that some PFAS may affect reproductive health, increase the risk of some cancers, affect childhood development, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and interfere with the body’s hormones.
PFAS contamination in New Mexico is one of the New Mexico Environment Department’s top priorities, as is the protection of human health and the environment.
The latest
October 26, 2021 – EPA Responds to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Petition, Will Move to List Four PFAS Chemicals as Hazardous
October 18, 2021 - PFAS sampling in Curry and Roosevelt Counties
June 23, 2021 – Governor Lujan Grisham formally petitions EPA to list PFAS as hazardous waste under federal law
June 9, 2021 – Environment Department Cabinet Secretary urges federal action on PFAS during Senate committee testimony
June 4, 2021 – Environment Department takes initial steps toward clean-up of PFAS plumes in eastern New Mexico
Feb. 21, 2021 – New Mexico petitions U.S. Court of Appeals to advance PFAS litigation against the U.S. Department of Defense
Jan. 18, 2021 – Environment Department tackles PFAS contamination while sampling for chemicals in drinking water sources across New Mexico