Groups want to expand scope of studies on fracking’s impact on health in Pa.
Thursday, March 18, 2021
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
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
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.