Presentation: Overview of Project 3
Millions of people are exposed to arsenic-contaminated water in the U.S. and worldwide, and arsenic is ranked first on the most recent priority list of Superfund site hazardous substances. Current evidence suggests the most important cause of death from arsenic exposure is lung cancer. Recent results show that those exposed as young children or in utero to arsenic are more susceptible to both lung cancer and other pulmonary effects. Investigators will explore effects of childhood arsenic exposure and mechanisms that contribute to susceptibility to these effects. Studies include a case-control study of childhood and in utero arsenic exposure and subsequent risks of lung cancer in young adults in Northern Chile and a cross-sectional study of lung function and respiratory health and arsenic exposure of children in West Bengal. Additional analysis will look at susceptibility, including genetic differences that may interact with exposures to lead to effects, and mechanisms leading to toxic effects. The project will look at whether patterns of proteins measured in urine (proteomics) can predict exposure, disease, and susceptibility. Given the widespread exposure to ingested arsenic in the U.S. and worldwide, and the very high risks of lung disease following early life exposures reported to date, this work has the potential to yield important new public health and scientific information regarding the in utero and childhood effects of toxic substances.