Dr. Ramirez-Andreotta presented how in the arid and semi-arid Southwest, we have a rich mining legacy. One issue associated with this legacy are mine wastes and their associated metal contaminants, which can be transported into the environment through water erosion and wind dispersion. The link to human health is a lack of knowledge regarding potential exposure pathways to these contaminants. My presentation will discuss: 1) the environmental challenges, 2) technologies that can be used to remediate sites and protect environmental health, 3) ways to increase environmental health literacy around this issue, and 4) how the public can participate in research and coproduce data that is directly relevant to their lives.