October 21, 2014
With Fracking…It’s Not Just the Water and Air Problems
The recent spur of fracking activity across the country has brought forth various legal, political, and medical issues. Recently, amidst all the controversy, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization has made it their mission to address the on-going medical illnesses surrounding the areas near fracking sites. The Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project (SWPA-EHP) is using the best available science to help people deal with their ailments by providing free health consultations to families near drilling sites. While the effects and illnesses from some toxic exposures take years or even decades to become apparent, it is quite evident that some residents near fracking sites are having medical problems in real time. For example, patients usually have a combination of symptoms including: respiratory problems, irritated eyes, nosebleeds, numbness, tingling, rashes and lesions, headaches, nausea and vomiting. On the legal front, it is no secret that oil and fracking companies label the chemical mixtures as “trade secrets” to avoid having to disclose what they are pumping into the ground. Yet, according to the Center for Public Integrity, the symptoms which the patients are now suffering are linked to some of the chemicals emitted during shale development, including formaldehyde, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Another possible source is through water contamination. Counties across the country are starting to ban fracking entirely. Yet, somehow, fracking projects are seemingly rubberstamped for approval by state regulators in Louisiana. This obviously begs the question: do Louisiana state regulators know something lawmakers from others states don’t? It is likely that they all have the same information, but some are willing to do something about it while others are not.