Fracking May Cause Adverse Effects

Pennsylvania residents are worried about the potential human health risks of gas drilling, but funds are not readily available to investigate or substantiate their claims.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania officials stripped $2 million of funding that included a statewide health registry to track respiratory problems, skin conditions and other ailments potentially related to gas drilling, according to the Associated Press (AP). Congress also thumbed down a request from the Obama administration to fund research into how drilling impacts water quality.

Pennsylvania officials say the air and water is safe and has not been adversely affected by gas drilling. Doctors have not confirmed that drilling caused any outbreak of illness. However, there’s also no evidence to the contrary as no official, nonpartisan review or research has been done, according to the AP.

Drilling for gas has led to reduced energy costs but there are substantial concerns over pollution. Gas is pulled from the ground in a process called “fracking,” where water, sand, and chemicals are injected below the earth’s surface. The first reported use of fracking (hydraulic fracturing) was in 1947 but the modern fracking technique that made the extraction of shale gas economical was first used in 1997 in Texas. Environmentalists worry the process could pollute shallow aquifers and that methane leaks could cause air pollution.

Amidst pressure surrounding potential environmental and health concerns, France banned hydraulic fracturing in 2011. Fracking moratoriums are in place in New South Wales (Australia), Karoo Basin (South Africa), Quebec (Canada), and some U.S. states.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by contaminated water due to fracking, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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