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