Pa. families asked to participate in University of Pittsburgh childhood cancer study
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
University of Pittsburgh researchers have asked thousands of parents across eight counties in southwestern Pennsylvania to participate in a study examining a possible link between fracking — or other environmental risk factors — and childhood cancer, according to Yahoo News.
Researchers from Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health are hoping for a response from more than 200 of the recipients to compile a control group for the study.
Although the recent mailings are aimed at parents of children not affected by cancer, Evelyn Talbott, who is leading the study, is hoping they’ll think, “Maybe this isn’t helping me, but maybe I can do it for the common good.”
The study is one of two Pitt is conducting under a $2.5 million contract with the state Department of Health. Talbott’s team is expected to present its findings to state officials by Nov. 15.
Learn more: Yahoo News > Pitt looks to recruit Southwestern Pa. families for childhood cancer study
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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.