Studies Reveal Health Impacts from Fracking in Pennsylvania

The results of the three observational epidemiological studies in southwestern Pennsylvania showed concerning associations between exposure to fracked gas activities and adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of asthma-related hospitalizations, rare childhood cancers, and adverse birth outcomes.

Asthma

Perhaps the most alarming finding emerged from the asthma study. Researchers discovered a robust association between fracked gas production and severe exacerbations, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations for asthma among individuals living within 10 miles of active gas wells. Specifically, those with asthma were found to have a four to five times greater risk of experiencing asthma attacks in proximity to fracking operations during the production phase. Notably, no such link was established during the well preparation, drilling, or hydraulic fracturing phases.

Dr. Ned Ketyer, a retired pediatrician who sat on an advisory board for the study, called the asthma findings a “bombshell.” Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting people of all ages, can lead to debilitating breathing difficulties, missed school and work, high medical costs, and even premature death. The study’s findings underscore the significance of the association between fracking activities and asthma exacerbations, particularly during the production phase. With approximately 1.5 million Pennsylvanians residing within a half mile of oil and gas wells, the implications of these findings extend far beyond the immediate vicinity of fracking sites.

Pediatric Cancers

Another distressing revelation emerged from the pediatric cancer study. The results indicated that children living within one mile of active gas wells had a startling five to seven times higher risk of developing lymphoma, a relatively rare form of cancer. The risk was found to be most pronounced in areas with greater intensity of fracked gas activities. This finding sent shockwaves through communities, as many families in Pennsylvania live well within a mile of fracking sites, due to the current legal setback distance of only 500 feet from residences.

The study did not establish a significant correlation between gas wells and other rare cancers like leukemia, central nervous system tumors, and bone tumors including Ewing’s family of tumors, leaving many frustrated that we still don’t have answers for the high number of Ewing Sarcoma cases in the area. At the presentation of the study’s results, many residents were upset that the study did not incorporate field work and biomonitoring that could have tested for the presence of carcinogens in the environment and people’s bodies.

Given the high number of active shale gas wells in Washington County, where no resident lives more than 10 miles from a fracking site, the potential impact on the health of local communities cannot be understated.

Birth Outcomes

The third study examined birth outcomes in areas near fracking operations. Pregnant people living in proximity to these sites were found to have an increased risk of delivering babies with low birth weights and who were small for gestational age. These conditions can have significant long-term health implications for the affected children. Notably, the researchers also identified a connection between high levels of particulate air pollution and premature births, reinforcing the broader impact of poor air quality on maternal and fetal health.