According to Bloomberg News, early research has shown possible correlation between gas and oil drilling and birth defects in babies born near wells.

Further study must be completed before any definite connections can be made between the birth defects and drilling.

Lisa McKenzie of the Colorado School of Public Health has been involved in two studies that have not yet been reviewed. These studies show lower birth weight in babies born near drilling sites in Pennsylvania and higher stillborn rates of babies born near Utah wells. One study has been published, but it leaves out factors such as mother’s genetics and behavior, water quality and type of well.

From Bloomberg News:

“McKenzie and her colleagues found that babies born to mothers living with more than 125 wells within a mile (1.6 km) of their homes showed a 30 percent increase in congenital heart defects compared with those with no wells within 10 miles.”

Via: Bloomberg News > Fracking link to birth defects probed in early research