Blog 8: Fracking Pollution Sickens Pennsylvania Families, Environmental Group Says

Mining for fossil fuels has been ongoing in order to provide the country with fuels. Demands are increasing daily with supplies dwindling. New alternatives are being explored to keep up with demand. Fracking is somewhat of the new kid on the block when it comes to mining. Fracking uses pressurized fluid containing a number of chemicals to penetrate the veins or dikes within the rocks. Fluids used for this type of mining are often called fracking fluid or proppants. These veins or dikes are compromised so that fossil fuels can be extracted through the remaining spaces. Several chemicals are pressurized and injected into the ground. Over a hundred chemicals ranging from acetic acid to xylene are seeping into groundwater that supply surrounding areas of the fracking location. Chemicals of the fracking process are often expelled into the air. Butler County, Pennsylvania has been one of the many counties polluted by the fracking process. Health problems have run rampant causing vomiting, rashes, and even birth complications. Studies of the wild inhabitants of the area has showed an increase in health problems. Fracking is still a new type of mining process and the health risks have not been fully explored. Studies are unable conclusively prove that fracking is the reason for health related issues. Information about fracking continues to grow, but by the time the health issues are proven to be connected it may be too late for many residents of fracking areas. Researchers have come to three conclusions about fracking 1.Contaminants associated with oil and gas development are present in air and water in many communities where development is occurring. 2.Many residents have developed health symptoms that they did not have before—indicating the strong possibility that they are occurring because of gas development. 3.By permitting widespread gas development without fully understanding its impacts to public health—and using that lack of knowledge to justify regulatory inaction—Pennsylvania and other states are risking the public’s health. Fracking is a potentially dangerous mining practice and should be further researched before the environment impact is too great.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/18/fracking-pollution-pennsylvania_n_1982320.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fracturing_fluid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_additives_for_hydraulic_fracturing