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Toxicologists outline key health and environmental concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing
Date:
May 9, 2014
Source:
Society of Toxicology
Summary:
Since
the rise in the use of hydraulic fracturing of shale to produce natural
gas and oil, many have debated the merits and detractions of the
practice. Scientists outline how toxicological sciences can be used to
determine what risks may or may not be associated with fracking.
Since
the rise in the use of hydraulic fracturing of shale to produce natural
gas and oil, scientists, politicians, industrialists, and others have
debated the merits and detractions of the practice. In a newly published
paper in Toxicological Sciences, members of the Society of
Toxicology (SOT), alongside other experts, outline how toxicological
sciences can be used to determine what risks may or may not be
associated with hydraulic fracturing.
"Toxicology
is the study of the effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents
on living organisms and the environment. As such, toxicologists should
be at the forefront of discussions of hydraulic fracturing," says
Society of Toxicology President Norbert E. Kaminski, PhD. "We can
provide information on the potential toxicity of the chemical and
physical agents associated with the process, individually and in
combination."
In "The Role of Toxicological Science in Meeting the Challenges and Opportunities of Hydraulic Fracturing" Bernard D. Goldstein, et al, identify a series of potential pathways of contamination and toxicological effects associated with hydraulic fracturing that should and are being explored by researchers:
In "The Role of Toxicological Science in Meeting the Challenges and Opportunities of Hydraulic Fracturing" Bernard D. Goldstein, et al, identify a series of potential pathways of contamination and toxicological effects associated with hydraulic fracturing that should and are being explored by researchers:
- Water pollution: There is a potential for surface or groundwater contamination by hydraulic fracturing fluids and their constituents. The authors found that there are few confirmed cases of groundwater contamination, but that there is little research available on the chemical baselines of drinking and surface waters prior to hydraulic fracturing practices to determine contamination with toxicologically significant levels of chemicals as a result of routine hydraulic fracturing.
- Air Pollution: The authors write, "A single hydraulic fracturing site is unlikely to produce significant increments of ozone precursors. However, there is concern that in aggregate hydraulic fracturing activities in regions with thousands of wells, and which already have ozone levels close to the allowable health-based standard, such as the Northeast, may be tipped into nonattainment of the standard." Potential contaminants that are being studied include methane gas, diesel emissions, volatile organic compounds, and benzene, among others.
- Occupational Exposure: Workers at hydraulic fracturing sites are exposed to a series of potential hazards to their health. These potential hazards range from inhalation of gases and particulate matter to dermal exposure to these same elements. Evaluating exposure amounts, types of exposure, and lengths of exposure to various individual chemicals and the chemicals in combination is necessary to determine potential risks to hydraulic fracturing workers.
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by Society of Toxicology. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
The above story is based on materials provided by Society of Toxicology. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Journal Reference:
- B. D. Goldstein, B. W. Brooks, S. D. Cohen, A. E. Gates, M. E. Honeycutt, J. B. Morris, J. Orme-Zavaleta, T. M. Penning, J. Snawder. The Role of Toxicological Science in Meeting the Challenges and Opportunities of Hydraulic Fracturing. Toxicological Sciences, 2014; 139 (2): 271 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu061
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