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Garcia-Gonzales DA, Shonkoff SB, Hays J, Jerrett M. Hazardous Air Pollutants Associated with Upstream Oil and Natural Gas Development: A Critical Synthesis of Current Peer-Reviewed Literature. Annu Rev Public Health 2019; 40:283-304. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040218-043715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Increased energy demands and innovations in upstream oil and natural gas (ONG) extraction technologies have enabled the United States to become one of the world's leading producers of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists 187 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Several of these HAPs have been measured at elevated concentrations around ONG sites, but most have not been studied in the context of upstream development. In this review, we analyzed recent global peer-reviewed articles that investigated HAPs near ONG operations to ( a) identify HAPs associated with upstream ONG development, ( b) identify their specific sources in upstream processes, and ( c) examine the potential for adverse health outcomes from HAPs emitted during these phases of hydrocarbon development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane A. Garcia-Gonzales
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Seth B.C. Shonkoff
- PSE Healthy Energy, Oakland, California 94612, USA;,
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Environment Energy Technology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jake Hays
- PSE Healthy Energy, Oakland, California 94612, USA;,
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1772, USA
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52
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Johnston JE, Lim E, Roh H. Impact of upstream oil extraction and environmental public health: A review of the evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:187-199. [PMID: 30537580 PMCID: PMC6344296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Upstream oil extraction, which includes exploration and operation to bring crude oil to the surface, frequently occurs near human populations. There are approximately 40,000 oil fields globally and 6 million people that live or work nearby. Oil extraction can impact local soil, water, and air, which in turn can influence community health. As oil resources are increasingly being extracted near human populations, we highlight the current scope of scientific knowledge regarding potential community health impacts with the aim to help identify scientific gaps and inform policy discussions surrounding oil drilling operations. In this review, we assess the wide range of both direct and indirect impacts that oil drilling operations can have on human health, with specific emphasis on understanding the body of scientific literature to assess potential environmental and health risks to residents living near active onshore oil extraction sites. From an initial literature search capturing 2236 studies, we identified 22 human studies, including 5 occupational studies, 5 animal studies, 6 experimental studies and 31 oil drilling-related exposure studies relevant to the scope of this review. The current evidence suggests potential health impacts due to exposure to upstream oil extraction, such as cancer, liver damage, immunodeficiency, and neurological symptoms. Adverse impacts to soil, air, and water quality in oil drilling regions were also identified. Improved characterization of exposures by community health studies and further study of the chemical mixtures associated with oil extraction will be critical to determining the full range of health risks to communities living near oil extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
| | - Esther Lim
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Hannah Roh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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53
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McKenzie LM, Crooks J, Peel JL, Blair BD, Brindley S, Allshouse WB, Malin S, Adgate JL. Relationships between indicators of cardiovascular disease and intensity of oil and natural gas activity in Northeastern Colorado. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:56-64. [PMID: 30557692 PMCID: PMC6360130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and natural gas (O&G) extraction emits pollutants that are associated with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in the United States. OBJECTIVE We evaluated associations between intensity of O&G activity and cardiovascular disease indicators. METHODS Between October 2015 and May 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 97 adults living in Northeastern Colorado. For each participant, we collected 1-3 measurements of augmentation index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)- 1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We modelled the intensity of O&G activity by weighting O&G well counts within 16 km of a participant's home by intensity and distance. We used linear models accounting for repeated measures within person to evaluate associations. RESULTS Adjusted mean augmentation index differed by 6.0% (95% CI: 0.6, 11.4%) and 5.1% (95%CI: -0.1, 10.4%) between high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. The greatest mean IL-1β, and α-TNF plasma concentrations were observed for participants in the highest exposure tertile. IL-6 and IL-8 results were consistent with a null result. For participants not taking prescription medications, the adjusted mean SBP differed by 6 and 1 mm Hg (95% CIs: 0.1, 13 mm Hg and -6, 8 mm Hg) between the high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. DBP results were similar. For participants taking prescription medications, SBP and DBP results were consistent with a null result. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations, our results support associations between O&G activity and augmentation index, SBP, DBP, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Our study was not able to elucidate possible mechanisms or environmental stressors, such as air pollution and noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - James Crooks
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer L Peel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin D Blair
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephanie Malin
- Department of Sociology & Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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54
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Franklin M, Chau K, Cushing LJ, Johnston JE. Characterizing Flaring from Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations in South Texas Using Satellite Observations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:2220-2228. [PMID: 30657671 PMCID: PMC8915930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, increases in high-volume hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction in the United States have raised concerns with residents living near wells. Flaring, or the combustion of petroleum products into the open atmosphere, is a common practice associated with oil and gas exploration and production, and has been under-examined as a potential source of exposure. We leveraged data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (VIIRS) Nightfire satellite product to characterize the extent of flaring in the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, one of the most productive in the nation. Spatiotemporal hierarchical clustering identified flaring sources, and a regression-based approach combining VIIRS information with reported estimates of vented and flared gas from the Railroad Commission of Texas enabled estimation of flared gas volume at each flare. We identified 43887 distinct oil and gas flares in the study region from 2012 to 2016, with a peak in activity in 2014 and an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters of total gas volume flared over the study period. A comparison with well permit data indicated the majority of flares were associated with oil-producing (82%) and horizontally drilled (92%) wells. Of the 49 counties in the region, 5 accounted for 71% of the total flaring. Our results suggest flaring may be a significant environmental exposure in parts of this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
- Corresponding author: Phone: +1 (323) 442-2703;
| | - Khang Chau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
| | - Lara J. Cushing
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco California, 94132, United States
| | - Jill E. Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
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Blair BD, Brindley S, Hughes J, Dinkeloo E, McKenzie LM, Adgate JL. Measuring environmental noise from airports, oil and gas operations, and traffic with smartphone applications: laboratory and field trials. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2018; 28:548-558. [PMID: 30283068 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental noise from sources such as traffic, airports, and oil and gas (O&G) operations is associated with nuisance and health concerns. Smartphones with external microphones have been recommended for environmental noise monitoring and may be useful tools for citizen science, but are not validated against reference methods. We evaluated laboratory performance of three smartphone/application (app) configurations recommended for environmental noise measurement. Two smartphone/app configurations were also compared to a reference sampler, a type 1 sound level meter (SLM) at ten outdoor sites with traffic, airport, and O&G noise. To evaluate performance, we compared the mean squared error, variance, bias, and Krippendorff's Alpha by smartphone/app combination and testing location for both audible (A-weighted) and low-frequency (C-weighted) noise. We observed that laboratory measurements were in strong agreement with a reference sampler. The field A-weighted noise level results had strong agreement with the SLM at several outdoor sites, but our C-weighted noise results ranged from moderate to substantial agreement. For our tested configurations, we find that smartphones with external microphones are reliable proxies for measuring A- and C-weighted noise in a laboratory setting. Outdoor performance depends on noise source type, weighting, and precision and accuracy needs of the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Blair
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John Hughes
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eero Dinkeloo
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - John L Adgate
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
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56
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Elliott EG, Ma X, Leaderer BP, McKay LA, Pedersen CJ, Wang C, Gerber CJ, Wright TJ, Sumner AJ, Brennan M, Silva GS, Warren JL, Plata DL, Deziel NC. A community-based evaluation of proximity to unconventional oil and gas wells, drinking water contaminants, and health symptoms in Ohio. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:550-557. [PMID: 30145431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Over 4 million Americans live within 1.6 km of an unconventional oil and gas (UO&G) well, potentially placing them in the path of toxic releases. We evaluated relationships between residential proximity to UO&G wells and (1) water contamination and (2) health symptoms in an exploratory study. We analyzed drinking water samples from 66 Ohio households for 13 UO&G-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e.g., benzene, disinfection byproducts [DBPs]), gasoline-range organics (GRO), and diesel-range organics. We interviewed participants about health symptoms and calculated metrics capturing proximity to UO&G wells. Based on multivariable logistic regression, odds of detection of bromoform and dibromochloromethane in surface water decreased significantly as distance to nearest UO&G well increased (odds ratios [OR]: 0.28-0.29 per km). Similarly, distance to nearest well was significantly negatively correlated with concentrations of GRO and toluene in ground water (rSpearman: -0.40 to -0.44) and with concentrations of bromoform and dibromochloromethane in surface water (rSpearman: -0.48 to -0.50). In our study population, those with higher inverse-distance-squared-weighted UO&G well counts within 5 km around the home were more likely to report experiencing general health symptoms (e.g. stress, fatigue) (OR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.02-2.26). This exploratory study, though limited by small sample size and self-reported health symptoms, suggests that those in closer proximity to multiple UO&G wells may be more likely to experience environmental health impacts. Further, presence of brominated DBPs (linked to UO&G wastewater) raises the question of whether UO&G activities are impacting drinking water sources in the region. The findings from this study support expanded studies to advance knowledge of the potential for water quality and human health impacts; such studies could include a greater number of sampling sites, more detailed chemical analyses to examine source attribution, and objective health assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise G Elliott
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brian P Leaderer
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lisa A McKay
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Courtney J Pedersen
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chang Wang
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Christopher J Gerber
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Thomas J Wright
- Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, 17 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Andrew J Sumner
- Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, 17 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Mairead Brennan
- Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, 17 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Genevieve S Silva
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Joshua L Warren
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, 17 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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57
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Willis MD, Jusko TA, Halterman JS, Hill EL. Unconventional natural gas development and pediatric asthma hospitalizations in Pennsylvania. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:402-408. [PMID: 29936288 PMCID: PMC6110967 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric asthma is a common chronic condition that can be exacerbated by environmental exposures, and unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has been associated with decreased community air quality. This study aims to quantify the association between UNGD and pediatric asthma hospitalizations. METHODS We compare pediatric asthma hospitalizations among zip codes with and without exposure to UNGD between 2003 and 2014 using a difference-in-differences panel analysis. Our UNGD exposure metrics include cumulative and contemporaneous drilling as well as reported air emissions by site. RESULTS We observed consistently elevated odds of hospitalizations in the top tertile of pediatric patients exposed to unconventional drilling compared with their unexposed peers. During the same quarter a well was drilled, we find a 25% increase (95% CI: 1.07, 1.47) in the odds of being hospitalized for asthma. Ever-establishment of an UNGD well within a zip code was associated with a 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.36) increased odds of a pediatric asthma hospitalization. Our results further demonstrate that increasing specific air emissions from UNGD sites are associated with increased risks of pediatric asthma hospitalizations (e.g. 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, formaldehyde, x-hexane). These results hold across multiple age groups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Community-level UNGD exposure metrics were associated with increased odds of pediatric asthma-related hospitalization among young children and adolescents. This study provides evidence that additional regulations may be necessary to protect children's respiratory health from UNGD activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Todd A Jusko
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jill S Halterman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elaine L Hill
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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McMullin TS, Bamber AM, Bon D, Vigil DI, Van Dyke M. Exposures and Health Risks from Volatile Organic Compounds in Communities Located near Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Activities in Colorado (U.S.A.). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071500. [PMID: 30012994 PMCID: PMC6069077 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study objective was to use a preliminary risk based framework to evaluate the sufficiency of existing air data to answer an important public health question in Colorado: Do volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted into the air from oil and gas (OG) operations result in exposures to Coloradoans living at or greater than current state setback distances (500 feet) from OG operations at levels that may be harmful to their health? We identified 56 VOCs emitted from OG operations in Colorado and compiled 47 existing air monitoring datasets that measured these VOCs in 34 locations across OG regions. From these data, we estimated acute and chronic exposures and compared these exposures to health guideline levels using maximum and mean air concentrations. Acute and chronic non-cancer hazard quotients were below one for all individual VOCs. Hazard indices combining exposures for all VOCs were slightly above one. Lifetime excess cancer risk estimates for benzene were between 1.0 × 10−5–3.6 × 10−5 and ethylbenzene was 7.3 × 10−6. This evaluation identified a small sub-set of VOCs, including benzene and n-nonane, which should be prioritized for additional exposure characterization in site-specific studies that collect comprehensive time-series measurements of community scale exposures to better assess community exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami S McMullin
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive S, Denver, CO 80246, USA.
| | - Alison M Bamber
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive S, Denver, CO 80246, USA.
| | - Daniel Bon
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive S, Denver, CO 80246, USA.
| | - Daniel I Vigil
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive S, Denver, CO 80246, USA.
| | - Michael Van Dyke
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive S, Denver, CO 80246, USA.
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59
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McKenzie LM, Blair B, Hughes J, Allshouse WB, Blake NJ, Helmig D, Milmoe P, Halliday H, Blake DR, Adgate JL. Ambient Nonmethane Hydrocarbon Levels Along Colorado's Northern Front Range: Acute and Chronic Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:4514-4525. [PMID: 29584423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas (O&G) facilities emit air pollutants that are potentially a major health risk for nearby populations. We characterized prenatal through adult health risks for acute (1 h) and chronic (30 year) residential inhalation exposure scenarios to nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) for these populations. We used ambient air sample results to estimate and compare risks for four residential scenarios. We found that air pollutant concentrations increased with proximity to an O&G facility, as did health risks. Acute hazard indices for neurological (18), hematological (15), and developmental (15) health effects indicate that populations living within 152 m of an O&G facility could experience these health effects from inhalation exposures to benzene and alkanes. Lifetime excess cancer risks exceeded 1 in a million for all scenarios. The cancer risk estimate of 8.3 per 10 000 for populations living within 152 m of an O&G facility exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 1 in 10 000 upper threshold. These findings indicate that state and federal regulatory policies may not be protective of health for populations residing near O&G facilities. Health risk assessment results can be used for informing policies and studies aimed at reducing and understanding health effects associated with air pollutants emitted from O&G facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Benjamin Blair
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - John Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Nicola J Blake
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Irvine , California 92617 , United States
| | - Detlev Helmig
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) , University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder , Colorado 80309 , United States
| | - Pam Milmoe
- Boulder County Public Health , 1333 Iris Avenue , Boulder , Colorado 80304 , United States
| | | | - Donald R Blake
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Irvine , California 92617 , United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
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60
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Bolden AL, Schultz K, Pelch KE, Kwiatkowski CF. Exploring the endocrine activity of air pollutants associated with unconventional oil and gas extraction. Environ Health 2018; 17:26. [PMID: 29558955 PMCID: PMC5861625 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction has rapidly proliferated throughout the United States (US) and the world. This occurred largely because of the development of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing which allows access to fossil fuels from geologic formations that were previously not cost effective to pursue. This process is known to use greater than 1,000 chemicals such as solvents, surfactants, detergents, and biocides. In addition, a complex mixture of chemicals, including heavy metals, naturally-occurring radioactive chemicals, and organic compounds are released from the formations and can enter air and water. Compounds associated with UOG activity have been linked to adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes in humans and laboratory animal models, which is possibly due to the presence of endocrine active chemicals. METHODS Using systematic methods, electronic searches of PubMed and Web of Science were conducted to identify studies that measured chemicals in air near sites of UOG activity. Records were screened by title and abstract, relevant articles then underwent full text review, and data were extracted from the studies. A list of chemicals detected near UOG sites was generated. Then, the potential endocrine activity of the most frequently detected chemicals was explored via searches of literature from PubMed. RESULTS Evaluation of 48 studies that sampled air near sites of UOG activity identified 106 chemicals detected in two or more studies. Ethane, benzene and n-pentane were the top three most frequently detected. Twenty-one chemicals have been shown to have endocrine activity including estrogenic and androgenic activity and the ability to alter steroidogenesis. Literature also suggested that some of the air pollutants may affect reproduction, development, and neurophysiological function, all endpoints which can be modulated by hormones. These chemicals included aromatics (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and mercury. CONCLUSION These results provide a basis for prioritizing future primary studies regarding the endocrine disrupting properties of UOG air pollutants, including exposure research in wildlife and humans. Further, we recommend systematic reviews of the health impacts of exposure to specific chemicals, and comprehensive environmental sampling of a broader array of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Bolden
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Kim Schultz
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Katherine E. Pelch
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), www.TEDX.org, Eckert, Colorado USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado USA
- Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina USA
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61
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Sapouckey SA, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Vandenberg LN. Prenatal Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Operation Chemical Mixtures Altered Mammary Gland Development in Adult Female Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1277-1289. [PMID: 29425295 PMCID: PMC5809159 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations, which combine hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and directional drilling, involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, including many with endocrine-disrupting properties. Two previous studies examined mice exposed during early development to a 23-chemical mixture of UOG compounds (UOG-MIX) commonly used or produced in the process. Both male and female offspring exposed prenatally to one or more doses of UOG-MIX displayed alterations to endocrine organ function and serum hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that prenatal UOG-MIX exposure would similarly disrupt development of the mouse mammary gland. Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to ~3, ~30, ~ 300, or ~3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX from gestational day 11 to birth. Although no effects were observed on the mammary glands of these females before puberty, in early adulthood, females exposed to 300 or 3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX developed more dense mammary epithelial ducts; females exposed to 3 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX had an altered ratio of apoptosis to proliferation in the mammary epithelium. Furthermore, adult females from all UOG-MIX-treated groups developed intraductal hyperplasia that resembled terminal end buds (i.e., highly proliferative structures typically seen at puberty). These results suggest that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of chemicals used in UOG production at exposure levels that are environmentally relevant. The effect of these findings on the long-term health of the mammary gland, including its lactational capacity and its risk of cancer, should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Sapouckey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Laura N. Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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Konkel L. In the Neighborhood of 18 Million: Estimating How Many People Live Near Oil and Gas Wells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:124003. [PMID: 29225196 PMCID: PMC5963578 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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