For nearly three decades, Johnny Lewis, Ph.D.Advance Native American health through a combination of basic research, population-level studies, clear scientific communication, and strong partnerships with tribes. A longtime NIEHS fellow from the University of New Mexico (UNM), she uses an interdisciplinary team approach to address issues related to environmental justice and health inequalities, which affect many Indigenous communities.
Lewis is a professor at the United Nations University’s Community Environmental Health Program, which she launched in 1996 to address tribal concerns about harmful exposures that include abandoned uranium mines, milling sites and the piles of waste left over from developing Cold War weapons. For example, there are more than 1,100 such sites in the Navajo Nation, the largest indigenous reserve. About 170,000 residents live in the territory, which includes parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Toxic exposures there have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune suppression, and other conditions.
To expand knowledge about these health threats to Navajo and other tribes, Lewis directs UNM Metal exposure and toxicity assessment on tribal lands of the southwest (METALS) Center for Superfund Research Program and Center for Equality Research in Native American Environmental Health, both of which were developed through NIEHS funding. It studies inherited contamination from uranium mining waste, including evaluating complex mixtures of metals, such as uranium, arsenic and lead. Her team is also studying emerging exposures, including microplastics, and developing strategies to decontaminate the environment.
She recently spoke with Lewis about her efforts to address tribal health issues, effectively communicate findings, partner with communities in defining research questions, and reduce exposure. In addition, I asked her to discuss how she became interested in such work and what inspired her to pursue a scientific career. I was honored to speak with Lewis, and am excited to share excerpts from our conversation, shown below.
Lewis’ areas of specialization include toxicology, mineral mixtures, indigenous environmental health, and community research, among others. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Lewis)Uranium mining and tribal pollution
Rick and WishekOver the years, a major aspect of your work has involved studying tribal communities’ exposure to hazardous materials from uranium mining in the Cold War era. Can you talk about what prompted you to conduct such research?
Johnny Lewis: In the early 1990s, I was an advisor to the US Department of Energy on the remedial work of uranium plant tailings [UMTRA; see sidebar] Which was intended to clean up pollution at thousands of ancient sites linked to uranium mills. Mill owners can join a federal program that cleans up, and if they don’t sign up, they will be stuck with any potential liability. It interacted with tribal communities, particularly in the Navajo area, to assess their risks and determine if there were unique routes of exposure that might occur and increase risks or change clean-up strategies.
One day, I was contacted by 20 communities from the Navajo Nation that had a history of uranium mining and a high prevalence of kidney disease. What is remarkable is that in their region, such a disease occurred very early – at that time, it was not uncommon to see adolescents on dialysis. A doctor spoke to the tribesmen about uranium being toxic to the kidneys, and this prompted them to seek help to conduct research on whether the uranium in the unregulated water they were drinking was the cause of the early onset and severity of kidney disease.
They saw an advertisement for an early funding opportunity on environmental justice from the NIEHS, and they gathered a group of people they thought could help. They asked me to lead research in this area, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since, thanks in large part to the ongoing support of the NIEHS. Also, I am proud that over the years, many of our researchers have been Native Americans. Their scientific talent, cultural awareness, and ability to build trusted partnerships were vital.
Toxic metals, toxic waste
RW: Can you expand on the environmental threats that tribal communities face and describe some of your team’s actions to reduce exposure? My understanding is that we are talking about much more than just exposure to uranium.
JL: Yes, when we talk about exposure on tribal lands, we are not talking about a single substance but a mixture of toxic metals. Metal contamination of drinking water is a long-standing problem. And in the decades since the mining and milling sites were in operation, these materials have degraded to the size of nanoparticles, making them easily moved by the wind.
Our team also evaluates volatile compounds and microplastics associated with waste incineration. In some communities, there are no formal systems for solid waste disposal, and people burn the waste or in some cases tribes create very large burning piles that ignite, resulting in low-temperature combustion over long periods.
In addition to potentially harmful inhalations, there are concerns about how this pollution might affect wildlife, livestock, and plant life. We are concerned about what is happening with climate change. We get hotter, we get drier, and dust storms here are very frequent, which increases the risk of pollutants spreading to more areas and affecting more people.
Given these and other issues, we are developing practical, low-cost tools and strategies that can reduce exposure risks and improve health. For example, we are currently evaluating whether zinc supplementation can prevent DNA damage caused by exposure to arsenic and uranium, which can inhibit DNA repair enzymes. Initial results look very promising, and they have also taught us a lot about exposures.
Also, our team studies how fungi influence the movement and distribution of minerals. We are studying whether manipulating the soil microbiome can reduce mineral uptake in plants and water, which may benefit ecosystems and agriculture. We are doing controlled greenhouse studies to find out how the formation of fungi in the soil affects the movement of these minerals. Our goal is to develop a bioreactor, test it in the lab, and then take it to a community setting.
One unique aspect of our work is that we listen to the interests of communities and then respond to their needs through research. For example, some of our investigators were interested in microplastics, and then tribesmen raised the issue of burning garbage pits, so we knew that an expansion in this direction would be appropriate. Our tribal community partners are partners in the design and implementation of research.
The science of communication through art
RWYou have received the 2021 Public Communication Award from the Society of Toxicology in recognition of your efforts in developing comprehensive science communication strategies for underserved tribal communities. Can you discuss an example of your work in this field?
JL: A while ago, at the Community Sheep Roasting Team of the Center for Equality in Native American Environmental Health, we shared complex data during our presentation, using what we thought were simple graphics. One of our outside consultants stopped us and asked the tribal members present if they understood the information in our PowerPoint slides.
Every head descended into the room.
These comments were valuable and embarrassing, but they made us laugh at ourselves and re-evaluate our assumption that community members only understood us because some asked questions. This started a conversation about how we can improve our presentations. Community members told us that they are visual learners and that if we could use art to share our findings, our access could potentially be more effective.
Soon, we started an artist-in-residence program and got hired Marie Koitoki, a highly talented Zuni illustrator. At the time, we thought she’d only be with us for one year. Well, about five years later, Mallery is still working with us, and she’s been an incredible asset to our team. In fact, we are developing a program where you will guide other artists in translating science.
Mali Velasco wrote in a 2021 article Environmental Factor describing Quetawki’s art: “This image shows how the process of DNA repair, with the help of zinc, is similar to the repair of a traditional broken beaded necklace.” “The flower design symbolizes the idea of regrowth.” (Photo courtesy of Maliri Koitoki)There are many cultural differences between tribes and scholars, but we have found that art can transcend them. Koitoki’s work resonates with the tribes as it refers to their traditions and cultural values. She helps community members better understand scientific concepts, and her panels enable us to see our research from new perspectives.
Ultimately, our science depends on strong relationships with community partners. These relationships are built on trust, communication, and humility on the part of scholars. By first listening to tribal members and understanding their needs, we can advance our research and its impact, and empower communities with the knowledge they need to improve their health.
(Rick Woichick, Ph.D., directs the NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program.)
from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/the-environmental-factor-september-2022-promoting-tribal-environmental-health-by-an-niehs-funded-scientist-and-team/
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