Many earth materials are recognized and/or inferred to be linked to adverse health effects and diseases. For example, the danger of mineral dust and particle exposure of earth materials such as asbestos (asbestosis, lung cancer), silica (silicosis, industrial bronchitis) and coal ("black lung disease", fibrosis) have been extensively documented. While the links between specific environmental factors and specific diseases might be clear, the mechanism by which these materials interfere with the normal function of cells and how these diseases develop as a result of material exposure is largely unknown.

Given that the primary route of mineral exposure is via inhalation and ingestion, the surface charge of various minerals will be explored in simulated lung, gastric, and small intestinal fluid using a Zeta Potential Analyzer. Exposure to some earth minerals can potentially stimulate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at levels that cannot be balanced by normal functions. To evaluate the formation of ROS, standard protocols to measure ROS in human lung cell cultures challenged with earth materials are employed. In addition, the potential for spontaneous ROS formation by these minerals were determined acellularly. The data on acellular and cellular assays will be combined with data on the mineralogical composition and chemical composition of these earth materials to evaluate the potential toxicity of these materials in the human body. Ultimately this may provide a better understanding of the role that earth materials may play in the development of chronic diseases.