Fracking: Reducing Air Pollution, Improving Our Environment

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process of extracting oil and natural gas by blasting a mixture of water, toxic chemicals, and sand into rock formations deep within the earth. While fracking has been linked to air pollution and negative health outcomes, some argue that it may also reduce air pollution by replacing coal in power generation, thereby improving overall air quality. This has sparked debates over the health and environmental impacts of this controversial fossil fuel extraction method. This paragraph will explore the evidence and perspectives surrounding the question of how fracking influences air pollution.

Fracking releases methane, a greenhouse gas

Robert Howarth, an ecologist at Cornell University, has stated that the rise in methane emissions is "massive" and that shale gas operations are a major player in this increase. The carbon composition of atmospheric methane, or the "weight" of carbon within each methane molecule, has been changing, with the proportion of methane linked to traditional fossil fuels falling relative to the rise of methane with a different carbon make-up. This different carbon make-up is indicative of methane from unconventional oil and gas sources, such as fracking.

While there is some debate within the academic community about the exact contribution of fracking to the rise in methane emissions, it is clear that fracking is a significant source of methane releases into the atmosphere. Methane has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide in the short term, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stating that it heats up the climate over 80 times more than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after its release. This makes methane a very potent greenhouse gas, and its release through fracking has significant implications for climate change.

Additionally, methane released from shale gas production has a slightly different chemical fingerprint compared to methane from other sources such as cow belching and wetlands. This allows scientists to track the sources of methane emissions and identify fracking as a significant contributor. The chemical composition of methane in the atmosphere has been studied, and equations have been applied to determine the amount of lighter methane attributed to shale gas, which is a substantial component of the overall methane rise since 2008.

While there have been technological innovations that have helped reduce methane emissions from fracking, it is still a significant concern. The current leakage rate for petroleum and natural gas systems, which includes fracking, is estimated at about 1.2% by the U.S. EPA. This is below the threshold of 3.2% determined by scientists, above which natural gas would have a higher greenhouse gas profile than coal. However, the release of methane through fracking is still a significant contributor to global warming and climate change.

Fracking increases ground-level ozone, causing respiratory issues

Fracking involves injecting huge volumes of water mixed with toxic chemicals and sand into the earth to fracture rock formations and release oil and natural gas. This process poses several environmental and health risks, including air pollution.

Fracking increases ground-level ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant and the main ingredient in smog. Ground-level ozone is formed through chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These reactions occur when pollutants from cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants interact in the presence of sunlight.

Fracking emits pollutants that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene. These compounds have been linked to respiratory issues and other health problems. For example, residents of Belmont County in eastern Ohio, an area with extensive fracking infrastructure, have reported symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and burning sensations in their throats and noses, which they attribute to air pollution from fracking facilities.

The increase in ground-level ozone caused by fracking has significant respiratory implications. Ozone can trigger a variety of respiratory issues, especially for children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases like asthma. It can cause shortness of breath, airway and lung inflammation, worsening of asthma, and other respiratory diseases. In regions with high levels of oil and gas activity due to fracking, such as parts of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, smog problems have emerged, leading to increased doctor visits for respiratory problems.

In summary, fracking increases ground-level ozone levels, which, in turn, raises the risk of respiratory issues for vulnerable populations. This impact of fracking on air quality and public health underscores the need for comprehensive evaluations of health threats, robust monitoring of pollution emissions, and strict standards to limit pollution and protect communities.

Fracking can cause cancer and harm skin and reproductive systems

Fracking involves injecting water, sand, and toxic chemicals into bedrock at high pressure to extract oil and natural gas. While it is difficult to prove causal links between fracking and health problems, there is growing evidence of the harmful effects of the chemicals used in the process. About 25% of fracking chemicals could cause cancer, and others can harm the skin or reproductive system.

A study by Yale School of Public Health found that children living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania were two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with leukemia between the ages of 2 and 7. The study also suggested that drinking water could be a significant pathway of exposure to oil and gas-related chemicals, which can then lead to cancer.

Fracking can release dangerous petroleum hydrocarbons, including benzene and xylene, which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and chronic exposure can lead to more severe issues, including infertility and damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

Additionally, women living near fracking sites have reported reproductive struggles, including miscarriage, infertility, and birth defects. While it is challenging to prove direct causation, studies have found "significant associations" between emissions from fracking and these negative health effects. The stigma surrounding reproductive hardship further complicates the issue, making it difficult for those affected to speak out and seek help.

The health risks associated with fracking highlight the need for stricter regulations and greater distances between fracking sites and residential areas to protect public health, especially that of children and pregnant women.

Fracking releases volatile organic compounds, linked to health problems

Fracking releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which have been linked to a range of health problems. VOCs are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning products, and air fresheners. When these products are used, the VOCs are released or "off-gassed" into the indoor air. While VOCs may or may not be detectable by smell, this is not a good indicator of health risk.

Breathing in high levels of VOCs, even for a short period, can cause acute health issues such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs can also increase the risk of health problems, particularly for those with asthma or heightened sensitivity to chemicals. For example, studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may worsen asthma symptoms.

Fracking-related VOCs include benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. Evidence suggests that VOCs released during fracking are making their way into aquifers and drinking water.

In Belmont County, Ohio, an area with extensive fracking infrastructure, community-led research found concerning levels of air pollution and correlations between local spikes in pollution and health impacts. The study revealed that many sites frequently experienced days when air pollution exceeded levels recommended by the World Health Organization.

Fracking can increase asthma and hospital admissions

Fracking involves injecting water mixed with toxic chemicals and sand into the earth to fracture rock formations and release oil and natural gas. This process has been found to negatively impact the health of nearby residents, increasing the rate of asthma attacks and hospital admissions.

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people with asthma who live near a higher number of active natural gas wells operated by the fracking industry are 1.5 to four times more likely to have asthma attacks than those who live farther away. The study analysed health records from 2005 to 2012 and identified over 35,000 asthma patients, with a significant number of moderate to severe attacks requiring emergency room visits or hospitalisation.

The production stage of well development was identified as the most hazardous, as it consistently extracts natural gas and lasts for the longest period. During this stage, residents living nearby are at an increased risk of asthma attacks due to elevated stress and noise levels, as well as air pollution caused by the release of dangerous pollutants such as benzene and xylene.

The impact of fracking on asthma attacks is not limited to those living in close proximity to wells. A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that entire regions with high levels of oil and gas activity are experiencing respiratory problems and increased hospital admissions. The report identified unsafe levels of air pollution near fracking sites, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to ground-level ozone. This increase in air pollution has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, shortness of breath, and lung inflammation.

The health risks associated with fracking have also been observed in Belmont County, Ohio, where residents have reported headaches, fatigue, nausea, and burning sensations in their throats and noses. Community-led science initiatives have uncovered high levels of air pollution in the area, with correlations between local spikes in pollution and health impacts. The data collected by residents has been instrumental in advocating for improved air quality and regulatory action.

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