Alerts and Hazard Warnings

New Mexico Department of Health Warns about Vaping-Associated Lung Disease

August 2019 - The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is investigating possible cases of lung disease that are associated with vaping. The investigations are being conducted by the new EIS officer (CDC-appointed) and the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau.

Extreme Heat and High Temps

August 2019 - High temperatures in effect throughout the state and with extreme heat in the Southeast New Mexico. During the hottest part of the day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you should avoid being outside if you can. During this period, get rest, drink a lot of water, cool off indoors and get under shade if you must be outdoors to reduce the risk of heat-related illness as. Find tips and information here:

High Ozone Levels Health Alert

July 2019 - The City of Albuquerque has issued a health alert due to high measurements of ground-level ozone. The health alert is effective from 1 to 6 p.m. July 30, 2019. People with respiratory conditions in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County should limit their outdoor activity.

Be Prepared for Wildland Fires and Smoke

June 2019 - Alerts for smoke from wildland fires, prescribed burns, and sometimes related to industrial or structure fires will be issued throughout summer and autumn. See the NMDOH News Alerts for details. Learn what to do when it is smoky outside here:

Be Prepared for Monsoon Season and Flooding

June 2019 - The New Mexico Department of Health encourages New Mexicans and visitors to prepare for monsoon season, New Mexico's rainy season. Rain can come heavily and rapidly so you should be prepared for floods and flash flooding. Remember to be watchful in areas with recent burns scars, flood plains, and near arroyos. If you have a private well, check if it is protected before heavy rains and possible floods arrive. If the well head becomes immersed with rushing waters, find out what you should do. Find tips here:

Health Risks on Hot Days

July 2019 - Through recent data analysis, the New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau, Epidemiology and Response Division, has found that even though temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit may not seem high, this is the temperature at which people start to go to the hospital for heat-related problems. On days above this temperature and especially on days in the high 90s and triple digits, the New Mexico Department of Health encourages everyone to take precautions such as drinking more water and limiting time outdoors. Find tips and information here:

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Detected in Cannon Air Force Base Groundwater

Update June 2019 - Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are chemicals that have been detected in groundwater on and off base at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico and in surface water at Lake Holloman on Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. These are emerging chemicals that may be associated with health ailments. See the NMDOH News Alerts for details. Learn the basics about PFCs/PFAS, Drinking Water, and Private Wells from these resources available on the NM EPHT website: