An environmental report has revealed unprecedented levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Mexico's Holloman Lake, setting what officials call an unwanted world record for PFAS contamination in wildlife and plants.

The New Mexico Environment Department's latest study shows PFAS levels soaring up to 1,600 times higher than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards, marking the highest concentrations ever documented in biological samples globally.

"New Mexico, wake up. We got to do something about PFAS contamination," warns James Kenney, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, highlighting the severity of the situation at the wastewater reservoir near Alamogordo.

The contamination, centered at Holloman Lake adjacent to White Sands National Park, poses significant risks to both wildlife and human health. Of particular concern are local hunters who may have harvested game from the area between 2010 and 2024. According to environmental officials, consuming even a dime-sized portion of contaminated meat could result in dangerous levels of PFAS exposure.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in both the environment and human body. "These are known carcinogens," Kenney explains. "They can cause cancer, reproductive health issues in both men and women, and various other health concerns."

The investigation revealed an alarming chain of contamination, with small animals like kangaroo rats unknowingly serving as vectors. These creatures, simply by consuming local insects and grasses, accumulate dangerous levels of PFAS, which then exponentially contaminate the soil upon their death.

In response to these findings, state officials have implemented immediate protective measures. The lake has been closed to hunters since last year, and the Health Department has issued warnings to residents about consuming any wildlife potentially connected to Holloman Lake's migratory paths.

The New Mexico Environment Department is not standing idle. They're introducing a two-bill package this legislative session aimed at reducing PFAS and hazardous waste risks to New Mexico residents. These measures represent the state's latest effort to address what has become a critical environmental crisis in the region.

For residents concerned about potential exposure, state health officials recommend consulting with healthcare providers, particularly if they've consumed wild game from the affected area during the past 14 years.