How drought affects arsenic exposure and heart health in older adults
Official title: The Impact of Drought on Arsenic Exposure and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in a Rural Aging Population: Diversity Supplement
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11200024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drought might affect older adults by increasing arsenic in drinking water and how that could impact their heart and diabetes health, so we can better understand these risks for people in the community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,525 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES032612-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11200024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living in areas affected by drought, particularly those with potential exposure to arsenic in drinking water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in drought-affected areas or who are not exposed to arsenic in their drinking water may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health risks associated with drought in elderly populations, particularly focusing on how drought can lead to increased arsenic levels in drinking water. By analyzing data from the San Luis Valley Diabetes Study and environmental measurements, the study aims to understand the connections between drought, arsenic exposure, and cardiometabolic health outcomes such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research employs a retrospective cohort study design and incorporates community engagement to ensure relevance and applicability of findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies to mitigate arsenic exposure and enhance heart health in aging populations during drought conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated significant health risks associated with arsenic exposure, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights into the impacts of environmental factors on health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Katherine a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: James, Katherine a
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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.