Investigating the link between arsenic in drinking water and cancer in New Mexico's 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-10936461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking water with arsenic affects cancer rates in people living in rural New Mexico, especially those using private wells, to help improve health and raise awareness in these communities.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,979 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154680-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in rural New Mexico border counties who use well water for drinking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the targeted rural areas or do not use well water for drinking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how exposure to arsenic in drinking water affects cancer rates among residents in rural New Mexico, particularly those relying on private wells. The study focuses on six border counties where arsenic levels are notably high and cancer incidence is alarming. Researchers will collect and analyze water samples and health data to understand the relationship between arsenic exposure and cancer development. The goal is to raise awareness and provide insights that could lead to better health outcomes for affected communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions to reduce cancer risk associated with arsenic exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong association between arsenic exposure and increased cancer risk, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.
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.