NDMA is a carcinogenic alkylating agent that is has been shown to be present in well water in Wilmington at the Olin Industriplex Superfund Site. It creates DNA damage that can be repaired. Since people are variable in their DNA repair capacity, genes that code for DNA repair enzymes are predicted to be important susceptibility factors.
PAHs are composed primarily of carbon rings. They are highly variable with regard to exocyclic functional groups, making some more carcinogenic than others. They are created by combustion and they contaminate the air, soil and water at the Olin Industriplex, Wells G&H and Loring Airforce Base Superfund Sites.
Aligned with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Strategic Plan, the goal of MIT Superfund Research Program (SRP) projects is to leverage research to further knowledge and to develop solutions to protect public health. Projects 1 and 2 are focused on revealing genetic susceptibility factors, revealing health effects, assessing risk, and exploring methods of disease mitigation. Project 3 aims to develop methods and technologies to detect hazardous substances, and Project 4 will create novel methods to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous substances. To maximize the societal impact of the research, the Projects work with all of the Cores to enhance training opportunities, to ensure effective data management, and to disseminate knowledge and technologies.
Projects
