Arsenic in well water and cancer risk in New Mexico border counties
Official title: Arsenic Exposure and its Association with Cancers among Residents with Wells in New Mexico's Border Counties
Funded at New Mexico State University Las Cruces · NIH-11396434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether arsenic in private well water is linked to cancer among adults living in New Mexico border counties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Mexico State University Las Cruces NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Cruces, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,949 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154680-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older residing in Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Doña Ana, Otero, Lea, Eddy, or Luna counties who rely on a private well for drinking water.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not using private wells or not residing in the specified NM border counties may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on adults living in rural NM border counties who rely on private wells for drinking water. Researchers will examine arsenic levels in local water and investigate how exposure may relate to cancer incidence in the community. The study will use population data and environmental measurements to explore potential connections and identify communities at risk. Results could inform public health actions and guidance for residents with private wells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to healthier water guidelines and targeted cancer prevention efforts for people using private wells in the border region.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked arsenic exposure to cancer risk, but this project focuses on a high-arsenic, rural US population which is less studied and may yield new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New Mexico State University Las Cruces
Las Cruces, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahman, Humairat H — New Mexico State University Las Cruces
- Study coordinator: Rahman, Humairat H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.