The Rush to Drill for Natural Gas: A Public Health Cautionary Tale

Abstract

Efforts to identify alternative sources of energy have focused on extracting natural gas from vast shale deposits. The Marcellus Shale, located in western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, is estimated to contain enough natural gas to supply the United States for the next 45 years. New drilling technology-horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing of shale (fracking)-has made gas extraction much more economically feasible. However, this technique poses a threat to the environment and to the public's health. There is evidence that many of the chemicals used in fracking can damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, blood, and brain. We discuss the controversial technique of fracking and raise the issue of how to balance the need for energy with the protection of the public's health.

Radioactivity of Soil, Rock and Water in a Shale Gas Exploitation Area, SW China

“…At the same time, concerns regarding potential environmental pollution from hydraulic fracturing have also arisen [2,3], especially the potential contamination of shallow aquifers by hydraulic fracturing fluids and/or formation water from deep formations through induced and natural fractures [4], leaking from casings and cement or wastewater discharge [1,5]. Of the complex contaminants in hydraulic fracturing fluids and/or formation water, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are notable concerns [6][7][8].…”

Disclosure of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Chemical Additives: Analysis of Regulations

“…Proponents argue that fracking creates a novel source of cheap, domestic energy and may replace some "dirty" energy sources like coal-fired power plants [5]. They claim that using natural gas as a "clean" energy source will make it easier to meet federal air and water quality standards [7] while also reducing our dependence on foreign oil [4]. The website of Halliburton, one of the major corporate proponents of fracking, states: "fracture stimulation is a safe and environmentally sound practice based on the industry's decades-long track record, as well as the conclusions of government and industry studies and surveys" [8].…”

Air Concentrations of Volatile Compounds Near Oil and Gas Production: A Community-Based Exploratory Study

“…Instead, they are distributed among tight sandstone, shale, and other geologic strata. Intensive practices are used to retrieve them, such as directional drilling (many kilometres underground and one or more kilometres horizontally through a formation) and hydraulic fracturing to break up the formation and ensure movement through source rock (using millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, or "proppants") [4]. These technologies present public health challenges, including threats to air quality [5][6][7].…”