Study links higher radon levels in homes to fracking
Monday, June 24, 2019
Correction: Although the information contained in this article was originally distributed by a science publication and derived from a University of Toledo study, some discrepancies have been pointed out by The Athens News. The Shale Gas Reporter will take a closer look at the original study and Ohio Department of Natural Resources data to determine the full extent of the misinformation and post an update. We apologize to our readers, who rely on us for accurate information pertaining to industry activity in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.
A University of Toledo study recently connected the proximity of fracking to higher household concentrations of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S, according to Science Daily.
Researchers measured and geocoded data from 118,421 homes across all 88 counties in Ohio between 2007 and 2014, finding the closer the distance between a fracking well and a residence, the higher the indoor radon concentration in the home.
The study also found the average radon concentrations among all tested homes across the state are higher than safe levels outlined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization standards.
Learn more: Science Daily > Fracking linked to higher radon levels in Ohio homes
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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.
You might be interested in this related article in the paper for which i serve as editor. https://www.athensnews.com/news/local/odnr-study-linking-radon-to-fracking-in-ohio-uses-incorrect/article_d6e16a6e-9458-11e9-aafe-8b371369ba2f.html
Yes, thank you for pointing out the discrepancies within the information contained in the University of Toledo study. I will be posting a correction on the original post and an update regarding the misinformation in the study.