Such formidable variety in the environment demands a detailed understanding of the effects of those chemicals on human health. Since its founding in 1987, active, interdisciplinary research has been the hallmark of the Center for Toxicology at The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Collaboration among scientists at the UA and across the world has created a timely exchange of knowledge and a worldwide understanding of the importance of toxicology studies. Center investigators work closely with other Centers of Excellence at the Arizona Health Sciences Center, such as the Arizona Poison and Drug located near a waste site are a function of various interrelated actions. Superfund researchers work to understand those changes in order to design strategies for tackling the most hazardous materials located at a particular site.
Substances chosen for study include chlorinated hydrocarbons and toxic metals.
The program consists of twelve projects that are supported by four laboratory cores and administrative, outreach, and training cores. Activities include collaborating with several Mexican academic institutions to improve their curricular programs in environmental sciences, toxicology and engineering. These institutions are developing the resources required by the Mexican government and industry to develop sound and efficient environmental policies that will promote environmental and public health. Forty-six member investigators participate in three research programs, focusing on the cellular processing of chemicals, the mechanisms of cellular injury and environmental carcinogenesis and prevention. The Center also supports four service cores that provide investigators access to cutting-edge technologies and instrumentation for research.