As University of Pittsburgh researchers prepare to conduct studies on whether fracking has any relationship with incidence of childhood cancer, asthma and poor birth outcomes, environmental and public health advocates are asking the Pennsylvania Department of Health to expand them to include fracking waste facilities, according to State Impact Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania funded the research as a result of pressure from Washington County families who have lost children to a rare type of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma.

Currently, the studies are designed to examine activities at oil and gas well pads and compressor stations, but do not include facilities that handle fracking waste. However, groups representing the families met with Department of Health officials to expand the scope of the studies to include these facilities.

Learn more: State Impact Pennsylvania > Groups want fracking waste included in Pa. health study