PFAS: The Most Contaminated Waters In New Mexico

New Mexico is home to the most highly polluted body of water in the world, according to University of New Mexico researchers. PFAS, a group of toxic 'forever chemicals' linked to health problems, is showing up in water, wildlife, and everyday products. Secretary James Kenney, of the New Mexico Environment Department, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the scope of contamination in New Mexico, the federal government's response, and what people can do to mitigate risks. How do you know if you've been exposed? Which bodies of water are considered hazardous? Are big game hunters at risk of eating contaminated meat? And what sort of health problems do PFAS cause? 

• Read the environmental report on PFAS in New Mexico 

*Special note: We recorded this episode just days before the Holloman Air Force Base announced its choice to close public access to the area surrounding Holloman Lake, or what the Air Force calls the "Holloman Evaporation Pond." Due to concerns about PFAS contamination, the area is expected to close on August 14, 2025. You can read more about the decision on KRQE.com.

Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.