Study finds no health risks related to air quality from natural gas development
Friday, May 24, 2019
A two-year study, conducted by Gradient Corp., concluded gas development does not pose acute or chronic health concerns after finding no air-quality impacts that would cause potential health concerns, according to the Observer-Reporter.
Over the course of the study, Gradient Corp., a Massachusetts environmental and risk science consulting firm, monitored air quality via continuous sampling from an unconventional natural gas well in the Marcellus Shale near McDonald, Pennsylvania. Researchers monitored air quality at the site through each phase of the development cycle of a six-well pad and more than a year into the production of natural gas and natural gas liquids.
Gradient monitored for particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, finding PM2.5 and VOC concentrations were consistently below health-based air comparison values.
Learn more: Observer-Reporter > Air-quality study finds no health risks from natural gas development
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.