Study: Potentially more health problems near fracking
Saturday, September 20, 2014
According to International Business Times, people who live close to fracking wells may experience more health problems than those who don’t.
An independent study has released data suggesting that health symptoms like respiratory issues and even hair loss occur frequently in people who live close to fracking activity. The study focused on homes that use well water and are located in southern Pennsylvania.
Further research and study need to be considered before conclusions can be drawn from this first study.
Via: International Business Times > US Shale boom: People who live close to fracking wells are more likely to report health problems, study finds
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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.