
A New Mexico Lake Near El Paso Just Set A World Record For Toxic Chemicals
This is scary ... So scary that anyone who has eaten waterfowl within the last 14 years from this lake or its immediate area should probably see a doctor.
The highest levels of "forever chemicals" ever recorded in a single area have been found in a New Mexico lake, less than 100 miles from El Paso. I would think that, in addition to waterfowl, the warning applies to people who ate fish or consumed any other animals or vegetation from the area as well.
If you hunted, fished or farmed/gathered at or near Holloman Lake, between 2010 and 2024, read this carefully.
Holloman Lake is near Alamogordo, about 75 miles from northeast El Paso.
The New Mexico Department of Health, (NMDOH), released a health advisory after recording the highest levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals", in the world at Holloman Lake.
The NMDOH released the report after finding that samples from the lake contained the highest PFAS levels found in "any wild animal and plant worldwide."
“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,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, medical director for NMDOH. “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.” - KVIA
These chemicals were common in the 1940's and 1950's. EPA.gov says exposure can cause health issues like: higher prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer risks, low birth weight, accelerated puberty and behavioral changes as well as interfering with the body's immune system and natural hormones.
Lake Holloman has pretty much always been a waster water/sewage lagoon for Holloman Air Force Base so, I doubt many have fished or swam there. All visitors should be aware of this though as, for now, Holloman Lake remains open.
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