Laurie Rardin, RTC Coordinator laurie.rardin@dartmouth.edu

Dartmouth Superfund Research Program Research Translation Core

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/

Presentation to the NH Association of Realtors April 22, 2011

• 1986, SARA, SRP, NIEHS

• SRP is a coordinated effort with EPA

• Network of university grants supporting research to protect human health and the environment

Program Background…

“O.K., let’s slowly lower in the grant money.”

Project 2

Josh Hamilton

Arsenic as an Endocrine Disruptor

Project 4

Margaret Karagas

Arsenic Epidemiology, Biomarkers and

Exposure Assessment

Project 7

Celia Chen/Carol Folt

Trophic Transfer of Mercury in Aquatic

Food Webs

Project 8

Bruce Statnton

Arsenic and the Ubiquitin Lysosomal

Pathway

Project 9

Mary Lou Guerinot/ Tracy Punshon

Arsenic Uptake, Transport and Storage

in PlantsCore E Jason Moore

Integrative Biology

Core B Brian Jackson

Trace Elements

Research

Translation

Dartmouth has one of the longest running Superfund Research Programs in the country.

Arsenic and Human Disease• Chronic (2-20 years) exposure to NONTOXIC levels of arsenic (no overt

or immediate symptoms) has been linked to increased risk of:

Cancer: Lung, skin, bladder, liver, kidney, and prostate

Diabetes (Type II, adult onset,~10-fold increase with arsenic exposure)

Learning disabilities in children

Heart disease

Reproductive and developmental problems

• Mechanism of disease: Not clear

Images: Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 113, 2005

72° W

70° W

68° W

42° N

44° N

46° N

< 5

5 - 10

10 - 20

> 20

ARSENIC CONCENTRATIONS BY AQUIFER TYPE

Unconsolidated (n=186)

Bedrock(n=1855)

FIGURE 1. Arsenic concentrations in source waters to public-supply wells in New England.

Arsenic (µg/L)

Public Public

0 50 100

KILOMETERS

UNITED STATES

NewEngland

CANADA

Arsenic in water from public bedrock wells in New England – data from New England states

NAWQA Program7

In Small Doses: Arsenicwww.insmalldoses.org

>1100 hits on YouTube

Movie shown for: SRP Annual MeetingsNH Health Officer Annual MeetingNH DES Water and Watershed MeetingNew England Well Water ConsortiumLocal Public Access TVPI lecturesAdditional Appearances:Stakeholder WebsitesDebut on WGBH TV Teacher’s Domain curriculum website this monthWikipedia linkBonus Footage:New Collaborations with stakeholders involved

New Hampshire Arsenic ConsortiumFebruary 16, 2011/Dartmouth College

MEETING GOALS:

• Bring Stakeholders together as follow-up to Red River Theatre Event

• Share information about the latest research, regulations and community needs concerning arsenic as an environmental contaminant.

• Develop a list of top priorities for moving forward with an arsenic agenda.

Representation from:USGS, NH DES, NH DHHS, National Groundwater Assoc., Plymouth State University, Holderness Conservation Commission, Dartmouth SRP

Continue Annual Meetings of NH Arsenic Consortium

Build a centralized website with additional detailed information on testing, remediation costs and follow-up for well-owners.

Partner with Targeted Organizations to Promote Well Water Testing and Risk Message:

American Academy of Pediatrics (and state equivalent?); Pediatric Health Specialty Units; NH Public Health Association, NH Association of Realtors; Mortgage Bankers Association

Update Well Water Remediation Survey

NEXT STEPS….