Fracking potentially linked to childhood lymphoma, study finds.
Unconventional Natural Gas Development Linked to Health Risks in Pennsylvania
Researchers studying public health in southwestern Pennsylvania have made alarming discoveries regarding the effects of unconventional natural gas development. According to their findings, this type of gas production is associated with childhood lymphoma, slightly lower birth weights, and worsened asthma.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health presented this data at a recent public hearing. However, the researchers faced criticism from concerned individuals who believed that the investigation may have downplayed the health risks of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.
“Much of the public health literature has not necessarily kept up with the effects of the rapid expansion of unconventional natural gas drilling, especially in southwest Pennsylvania,” said James Fabisiak of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health.
Over the course of four years, Fabisiak and his colleagues conducted three studies on the health effects of unconventional natural gas development and other environmental risk factors. Their research was supported by a $2.5 million grant from former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.
One study focused on childhood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and bone cancers. The team analyzed nearly 500 childhood cancer cases documented by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They discovered a potential link between unconventional natural gas development and Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
Another study examined the impact of unconventional natural gas development on asthma, while a third investigated birth outcomes such as low birth weight and prematurity.
It is important to note that the investigations excluded Pittsburgh residents, as the researchers believed they were not representative of the population in rural southwest Pennsylvania, where unconventional natural gas drilling is more prevalent.
The researchers found a strong association between the natural gas production phase and worsened asthma symptoms in individuals living within 10 miles of a natural gas well. However, this link was not observed during fracking, drilling, or well preparation.
Living within a mile of one or more wells also increased the likelihood of developing lymphoma in children by five to seven times.
Maternal proximity to fracking was found to have a small effect on fetal growth, resulting in babies being 20 to 40 grams lighter when born to mothers within 10 miles of unconventional natural gas drilling.
While the studies did not directly investigate the causes of these health issues, they did provide valuable insights into the potential risks associated with unconventional natural gas development.
Skepticism and Valid Concerns
Despite the significant findings, activists and attendees at the public hearing expressed skepticism and raised valid concerns.
Janice Blannock, a resident whose son died of Ewing’s sarcoma, questioned why the researchers did not directly study levels of radium and other radioactive waste produced during hydraulic fracturing.
“Okay, it’s naturally occurring in the ground, but when you’re bringing it to the surface and spreading it all over our communities—and our kids are dying from Ewing’s sarcoma and brain cancers and lymphomas and every other [expletive] thing—why wasn’t it included in your study?” she asked.
James Fabisiak acknowledged the validity of her point but explained the challenges of conducting a retrospective study on radioactivity exposure. He expressed willingness to explore measures to address this concern in future research.
Dr. Ned Ketyer, president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, emphasized the significance of the findings on asthma, stating that asthma is a serious disease that should not be underestimated.
Justin Nobel, a science reporter, inquired about the connection between drinking water and health problems, but the researchers did not have sufficient data on past drinking water to include it in their studies.
While the research has shed light on the potential health risks associated with unconventional natural gas development, further investigation and measures are necessary to fully understand and address these concerns.
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