The UW Superfund Research Program (SRP), which was active from 1986 to 2023, worked to understand the mechanisms of metal neurotoxicity in the context of disease susceptibility in humans and aquatic organisms.
SRP focused on four research projects: two biomedical projects and two environmental science projects focusing on characterizing the mechanisms, dose-response relationships and genetic modifiers of central and peripheral nervous system toxicity associated with metal exposures.
SRP involved an interdisciplinary team of faculty and graduate students from the UW departments of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Genome Sciences, Biostatistics, Environmental Chemistry, Civil Engineering and Biochemistry.
Program goals
Develop biomarkers
SRP researchers aimed to develop biological markers to assess exposure to nervous system toxicants and susceptibility to disease. We studies certain enzymes and chemical compounds to determine their usefulness as biomarkers of toxic exposure, with a focus on links between enzyme levels, chemical exposure and genetic predisposition to toxic effects of metals and other chemicals.
Assess physiological damage in humans and wildlife
We investigated the complex interplay between low-level toxic exposure and disease, genetic susceptibility factors and models for risk assessment and created risk assessments and a framework for including wildlife assessments in waste site evaluations and remediation decision-making.
Develop new technology to remediate contaminated Superfund sites
We conducted research on biomarkers and physiological damage associated with toxic exposure to support the development of new technology to remediate contaminated sites.
Research translation and community engagement
Our Research Translation and Community Engagement Cores worked to facilitate communication of research findings to our stakeholders and assist community partners in understanding and mitigating environmental and health hazards linked to Superfund sites.
SRP was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.