A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals to the world, yet again, that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, can pose a major threat to public health. Fracking has expanded to 30 states in the U.S., posing major threats to air and water quality. Although many studies are conducted to show the ill effects of fracking, unconventional drilling continues to happen on a large scale.
The Findings of the Study
Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analysed fracking wastewater, 1,177 water pollutants, and 143 air pollutants released during the fracking process. According to their findings, 55 unique chemicals are known, probable, or possible carcinogens to humans. 20 compounds were also identified as causing leukemia/lymphoma. What they also found is that over 80% of chemicals identified had insufficient data on their cancer-causing potential.
The lead author, Nicole Deziel, said that their recent study is “the most expansive review of carcinogenicity of hydraulic fracturing-related chemicals in the published literature." While other studies focused only on a selective list of chemicals, the Yale study analysed the carcinogenicity of a wide range of chemicals and pollutants. But even with this extensive study, they still face a knowledge gap with the chemicals that had insufficient data. They acknowledge the need for further research and analysis on the harmful effects of fracking pollutants.
Fracking Concerns
According to Deziel, the most vulnerable population are children. Childhood leukemia is a public health concern because of the unconventional development of the oil and gas industry and the exposure to environmental carcinogens. Unfortunately, Environment America has found that in 9 states, over 650,000 school children, from kindergarten to grade 12, attend a school within a one mile radius of a fracked gas or oil well. Deziel believes that more research needs to be done to see if and how fracking increases the risk of cancer among children.
Even after their publication, the Yale School of Public Health continues to study the effects of fracking. Currently they’re working in a community near a fracking operation for further research. They’re taking water and air samples and testing them to see if they have any known or suspected carcinogens. This will help them determine if people living close to the fracking operation are exposed to these compounds and at what concentrations.
Hydraulic fracturing poses major risks to the air that we breathe and the water that we drink. And it has the potential to create bigger health concerns for families that have active fracking operations in their backyards. It seems that the oil and gas industry will operate at all costs, even if it means compromising human and environmental health. The issue of fracking does not always make it to mainstream media, but it’s a hard-hitting problem in the United States. It’s important to raise awareness on the issue of fracking and also stand up for the injustices of the industry. Not only that, but we must also assess our energy needs and consider switching to renewable energy sources that are better for human health and the environment.