Welcome | SWEHSC

Contaminated Water

Scientists test for arsenic and other heavy metals in water collected from the Gold King Mine spill.

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Dietary Arsenic

Arsenic may be found in many foods due to absorption through the soil and water.

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IHSFC Human Populations and Exposure Resource

The IHSFC Human Populations and Exposure Resource (HPER) leverages SWEHSC human studies and exposure assessment experts to provide a central resource for researchers conducting environmental health studies.

To learn more about the IHSFC HPER click here

Indigenous Stewards Vol. 4

This magazine follows in the tradition of story-telling which our ancestors have used for generations to pass down knowledge. Stories from Indigenous students and young professionals across The University of Arizona and various other entities shared their stories with the hopes of inspiring younger generations.

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UV Exposure

SWEHSC researchers have discovered some rather special properties in annatto, the natural food additive with properties that can block the development of certain skin cancer cells in mice.

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IHSFC Emerging Contaminants Analytical Resource

The IHSFC Emerging Contaminants Analytical Resource (ECAR) leverages ALEC, an existing core analytical facility at UA, which is dedicated to providing the analytical capabilities and technical expertise required to detect and quantify small contaminant molecules (organic and inorganic) in complex matrices including biological fluids, tissue, water, air, soil, sediment, and biomass.

To learn more about the IHFC ECAR click here

Gold King Mine

In August 2015, an estimated 3 million gallons of acid water and heavy metals spilled from the Gold King Mine into Colorado's Animas River, eventually flowing into the San Juan River, the primary source of irrigation for Navajo Nation farmers. The spill was accidentally caused by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency while trying to prevent leakage of toxic materials.

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Tribal Communities

Native American reservation land comprises more than 25% of the state of Arizona, which is home to 22 distinct tribes and one of the largest percentages of Native Americans in the United States.

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KEYS Program

The KEYS internship provides hands-on research opportunities to talented students from diverse backgrounds. The program concludes with the KEYS Research Showcase, where students present their results to their families, UA scientists, and program sponsors.

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Mine Tailings

Tailings are the mounds of crushed rock, mixed with trace amounts of chemicals, that remain after ore is processed. Mine tailings are composed of fine particles that can easily be blown around in dust storms and can lead to contaminated well water.

Asthma

The importance of environmental exposures in the development of asthma show significant protection from asthma and allergic disease in children raised on traditional Amish farms.

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Cellular Imaging

The Cellular Imaging Resource provides SWEHSC members and their labs with access to a number of powerful microscopes and image analysis capabilities. The Resource staff provides hands-on assistance with experimental design, training, troubleshooting, and analysis.

More about the Cellular Imaging Resource.

UV Exposure

Arizona has one of the highest incidence rates of skin cancer, the most prevalent cancer, in the United States.

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Dust Storms

Monsoon storms send huge walls of dust across parts of Arizona, sometimes snarling traffic on roadways and knocking out power. There could be hidden health impacts for millions of people living in the state's dust zone as well. These dust storms carry a noxious mix of fungi, heavy metals from pollutants, chemicals and bacteria that could lead to cardiovascular and eye disease, and other illnesses. These large dust storms are often called haboobs and in the local Native American communities they are called jegos (joo-goes).

Air Pollution

Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air. Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold spores may be suspended as particles. Some air pollutants are poisonous, and inhaling them can increase the chance of having health problems. Air pollution isn't just outside - the air inside buildings can also be polluted and affect your health.

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Smoke Exposure

Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, who are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals through both inhalation and skin absorption. Measuring these exposures and determining the mechanisms by which they cause cancer are essential steps in learning how to reduce cancer risk in firefighters.

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AZ HEROES is a collaborative project between the AZ HEROS (Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essental workers Surveillance) Study at the University of Arizona and Tribal Communities that are concerned for the wellbeing of their essential worker's health related to getting or re-getting COVID-19. Visit our webpage here.
The Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center (SWEHSC) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary research center, which is actively investigating the health effects of environmental agents and serving as a resource for the community. Welcome message from our Center Director.
The SWEHSC offers Pilot Project grants twice per year. To get more information go to the Pilot Projects page. Contact D ean Billheimer, Deputy Director for more information.