Mine-waste dust and lung health in dryland communities
The DUST Center: Hazardous Dust in Drylands - Exposure, Health Impacts, and Mitigation
This project looks at how breathing dust from mine waste and fungal spores may harm lung health and raise cancer risk for people living near mines in the U.S. Southwest.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Arizona collect dust and air from communities near historic mines to measure metal(loid) contamination and fungal spores. They use lab models and tissue analyses to see how those mixed exposures cause inflammation and lung injury. The team combines field, lab, and modeling work to link exposures to outcomes like asthma, COPD, fibrosis, and cancer. Findings will be used to predict risks and suggest ways to reduce exposures and protect residents.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in dryland communities near historic mine waste—especially in Arizona and the U.S. Southwest—and who may breathe or contact contaminated soils are the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People who do not live near mining-impacted drylands or who have health problems unrelated to environmental dust exposures are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidance and practical actions to reduce dust exposure and lower lung disease and cancer risk for people living near mine waste.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked mining dust to health problems, but combined exposure to metal(loid)-contaminated dust and fungal spores is less studied and this center takes a broader, mechanistic approach.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Xinxin — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ding, Xinxin
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 below.