Does living near natural gas extraction sites lead to birth defects?
The growing demands for energy in the U.S. have prompted both producers and government leaders to call for a diverse energy plan that includes resources such as solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, nuclear and natural gas. Natural gas extraction, in particular, has raised concerns because of the different chemical compounds that are involved in the process. These substances can negatively impact the air and water that surround natural gas extraction sites. The potential harm posed to nearby residents is an ongoing focus of scientific research.
One question pertaining to air and water pollution caused by natural gas extraction is whether adults exposed to the chemicals face a heightened risk of having children with birth defects, as published in the journal Reviews on Environmental Health.
How does natural gas extraction lead to pollution?
As part of the effort to diversify and expand the energy portfolio of the U.S., federal leaders have talked extensively about the potential value of shale, which is a type of rock that traps usable natural gas. Shale will become increasingly important to the natural gas production of the country during the next two decades. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, shale will account for half of the natural gas resources of the country by 2035.
One of the processes that can be used to extract natural gas from shale is an operation known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Companies that resort to fracking dig wells and crack rock open with the help of pressurized liquids, resulting in large volumes of wastewater. The potential for this wastewater to contaminate local bodies of water is just one reason why environmental scientists are concerned about fracking.
In addition to fracking, natural gas producers are resorting to other forms of drilling that are not standard vertical techniques to reach their sources. Directional drilling is a broad term used to describe processes that drill to offset targets. According to projects sponsored by the University of Arkansas and Argonne National Laboratory, directional drilling is supposed to be relatively environmentally friendly because it allows drilling companies to create wells that are not directly above their sources.
What does research say about the risks?
In the past, there have been several studies suggesting that pollution associated with unconventional oil and gas operations, which include fracking and directional drilling, pose harm to early human development. To get a better understanding of the situation, a team of scientists led by the University of Missouri reviewed more than 150 research papers pertaining to the health effects of chemical compounds in UOG operations. These studies included projects that explored air and water pollution.
"There are far fewer human studies than animal studies; however, taken together, the studies did show that humans can be harmed by these chemicals released from fracking," Susan Nagel, a researcher with the University of Missouri, said in a statement. "There is strong evidence of decreased semen quality in men, higher miscarriages in women and increased risk of birth defects in children. There is a striking need for continued research on UOG processes and chemicals and the health outcomes in people."
According to Nagel and her colleagues, about 15 million individuals in the U.S. live within one mile of a UOG site.
In November 2014, researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder published a study suggesting that the surfactants used in fracking liquids are no more harmful than other surfactants produced by ordinary household waste. However, the authors of this study cautioned that fracking companies often modify the formulas of their fracking liquids. Furthermore, the UCB study did not explore other environmental concerns, such as the impact on local seismology and the use of antimicrobial biocides. Research on the full effects of fracking and other UOG methods continues.
CONTACT US
Tel: +44 (0) 151 649 4000
Email: marketing@greyhoundchrom.com
FOLLOW US
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER
About the Author
Susan Massie, Sales & Marketing Director, Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals Email: sue@greyhoundchrom.com
Susan Massie is the Sales & Marketing Director for Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals, affectionately known as 'Greyhound' in our scientific community. Greyhound was founded by Susan's husband Paul Massie more than 40 years ago, Susan hasn't been in the business for all of that time but has been involved with Greyhound for over 17 years. Greyhound continues to grow, expanding into new markets and taking on the challenges of our ever changing environment. It's heartwarming to witness the world waking up to the fact that we are damaging our planet on a daily basis. Every action we take has a direct effect on our planet and the world we leave behind for future generations. Susan is passionate about climate change and is happy to work in an industry that can have a direct effect on reducing the impact of our actions on the environment. All of the team at Greyhound take our responsibilities very seriously, the products that we supply are used by the world's leading scientists and chemists as they endeavour to monitor and repair the environment. All is not lost, if we all take responsibility for our actions, from reducing our waste and reusing or recycling our material collateral we can make a difference. The internet is full of useful advice and guidance, Susan is proud to contribute to that wealth of knowledge whenever she can.
Greyhound prides itself on personal service which provides prompt, efficient, cost-effective, safe delivery of all products. Greyhound provides technical advice and distribution of Certified Reference Standards and Materials, Laboratory Consumables, Solvents and Reagents across all scientific disciplines. Greyhound Chromatography offers over 1 Million products from its UK warehouse. The team at Greyhound are proud to support the work of the world's leading scientists and chemists as they challenge the abuse of our planet and try to make a difference to the world we leave behind for our ancestors.
You can view Susan's Linked In Profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-massie-79ab4121/