Study: drill noise can create health problems
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Over the years many have studied the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on human health, focusing mainly on air and water pollution. A recent study suggests the noise associated with fracking operations can also affect human health, according to the Herald-Star.
Researchers claim fracking noise can negatively impact human health, causing annoyance, sleep disturbance and cardiovascular problems. Additionally, they claim continuous, low-decibel sounds can be as disruptive as high-decibel sounds.
Some companies working in the Upper Ohio Valley have established sound barrier walls around their operation to reduce the noise generated on their sites.
Learn more: Herald-Star > Study says drill noise can cause health problems
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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.