The DUST Center: Hazardous Dust in Drylands- Exposure, Health Impacts, and Mitigation
The Superfund Research Center at the University of Arizona uses an interdisciplinary approach to study hazardous waste issues in the U.S. Southwest (including the Arizona-Sonora border and Native Nations). We focus on arsenic and mine tailings. Our biomedical and environmental scientists collaborate to investigate risks, develop remediation strategies, and translate research findings to government stakeholders and the affected community. Our mission is to advance science and to use the research conducted by our program for the improvement of human health and the environment.
About Us
Our Research
PROJECT 1 - Effects of Arsenic and Arsenic-containing Mine Tailings Dusts on Airway Epithelium and Susceptibility to Mold Exposure
This research aims to understand how arsenic as well as other metal(loid) affects our lungs and why it makes individuals more vulnerable to other environmental threats, such as mold. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to better inform communities of potential risks and develop strategies to safeguard their health.
Learn morePROJECT 2 - Induction of Fibrotic Lung Injury by Inhalation Exposure to Arsenic and Arsenic-Containing Mine Tailings
This research will enable the establishment of a mechanistic model of how chronic exposure to dust that is co-contaminated with metal(loid)s and fungal spores contributes to the development of nonmalignant lung diseases and provide pivotal mechanistic data for developing strategies and guidelines for risk detection and disease prevention in communities neighboring mine waste sites.
Learn morePROJECT 3: Transformation of Metal(loid)-bearing Particulate Matter and Associated Impacts on Bioaccessibility
This research is designed to establish relations between the detailed physical-chemical properties of particulate matter from mine tailings and the release into lung fluid of the particle-bound metal(loid)s that they contain.
Learn morePROJECT 4: Phytoremediation of Metal-Contaminated Mine Sites in Drylands
This research will advance site characterization capabilities and optimize remediation technology to generate lasting vegetation covers that can stabilize mining wastes while recovering metals for reuse and preventing transport of associated contaminants via wind or water into surrounding areas.
Learn moreResearch Support Cores
Four Research Support Cores serve and enhance the Center:
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