In a groundbreaking follow-up study, researchers have confirmed the shocking extent of toxic chemical pollution in Holloman Lake, New Mexico — a site now believed to hold the highest levels of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) ever recorded in any body of water globally.
What Are Forever Chemicals and Why Are They a Concern?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. Known for their resistance to breakdown, these chemicals persist in the environment — and in our bodies — for decades, leading to potential health risks including cancer, immune system issues, and reproductive complications.
Record-Breaking Contamination Levels Found in Water, Soil, and Wildlife
Researchers from the University of New Mexico recently published a comprehensive report analyzing not only lake water but also sediments, plants, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals in and around Holloman Lake. The results are deeply troubling: PFAS levels in lake water and in some plant samples exceeded the EPA’s health advisory limits by over 10,000 times.
In fact, Holloman Lake now holds the grim title of containing the world’s most PFAS-contaminated water sample. Even more disturbing, the team recorded the highest level of PFAS ever detected in a bird — raising concerns about the contamination of migratory species and potential exposure to people who hunt or consume wildlife from the region.
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Contamination Spreads Beyond the Lake
The study also revealed that the toxic reach of Holloman Lake isn’t confined to its immediate area. Flooding events in recent years have pushed contaminated water beyond the lake’s boundaries, seeping into surrounding soils and reaching a nearby system of temporary lakes known as playas. These playas are crucial habitats for migratory birds — many of which may now be at risk.
One soil sample collected downstream from the lake was found to have some of the highest contamination levels, confirming that PFAS pollution is actively spreading through the watershed.
Wildlife and Human Health at Risk
The discovery has major implications for both wildlife and public health. Migratory birds that pass through Holloman Lake can carry PFAS to distant regions, exposing ecosystems and human communities far beyond New Mexico. Local species like the snowy plover — already considered sensitive — may suffer reproductive harm, and scientists fear that PFAS exposure could affect future generations of animals as well.
Adding to the concern is the presence of a herd of oryx — large antelope native to Africa that were introduced to southern New Mexico decades ago for hunting purposes. These animals were seen drinking from the contaminated lake, raising the possibility that hunters could unknowingly consume toxic meat.
A report from the Santa Fe New Mexican put it starkly: eating just a single bite of duck harvested from Holloman Lake could expose a person to more PFAS than what health authorities consider safe over an entire lifetime.
State Response and Public Health Actions
In light of these findings, the New Mexico Department of Health issued an advisory in early 2025 warning residents against eating wildlife harvested from Holloman Lake. The area has been off-limits for hunting since late 2024, but officials now urge anyone who may have consumed game from the region in the past 10 years to consult with a medical professional.
“This isn’t just about protecting our environment anymore,” said study lead author Jean-Luc Cartron. “This is a public health emergency with long-lasting consequences.”
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Can PFAS Be Removed from the Environment?
Despite the formidable nature of PFAS, researchers are making progress toward finding solutions. Scientists at the University of Illinois recently unveiled a method capable of removing the full range of PFAS compounds from water in a single process. Similar advances are being pursued by the University of Rochester and other research institutions.
While full-scale cleanup of Holloman Lake remains a monumental challenge, these technological breakthroughs offer hope for reducing future exposure and protecting communities and ecosystems.
