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Kassotis CD, Vu DC, Vo PH, Lin CH, Cornelius-Green JN, Patton S, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Activities and Organic Contaminants Associated with Oil and Gas Operations in Wyoming Groundwater. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:247-258. [PMID: 29623359 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations couple horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing to access previously inaccessible fossil fuel deposits. Hydraulic fracturing, a common form of stimulation, involves the high-pressure injection of water, chemicals, and sand to fracture the target layer and release trapped natural gas and/or oil. Spills and/or discharges of wastewater have been shown to impact surface, ground, and drinking water. The goals of this study were to characterize the endocrine activities and measure select organic contaminants in groundwater from conventional oil and gas (COG) and UOG production regions of Wyoming. Groundwater samples were collected from each region, solid-phase extracted, and assessed for endocrine activities (estrogen, androgen, progesterone, glucocorticoid, and thyroid receptor agonism and antagonism), using reporter gene assays in human endometrial cells. Water samples from UOG and conventional oil areas exhibited greater ER antagonist activities than water samples from conventional gas areas. Samples from UOG areas tended to exhibit progesterone receptor antagonism more often, suggesting there may be a UOG-related impact on these endocrine activities. We also report UOG-specific contaminants in Pavillion groundwater extracts, and these same chemicals at high concentrations in a local UOG wastewater sample. A unique suite of contaminants was observed in groundwater from a permitted drinking water well at a COG well pad and not at any UOG sites; high levels of endocrine activities (most notably, maximal estrogenic activity) were noted there, suggesting putative impacts on endocrine bioactivities by COG. As such, we report two levels of evidence for groundwater contamination by both UOG and COG operations in Wyoming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danh C Vu
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Health and Environment Program, Bolinas, CA, 94924, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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102
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Inayat-Hussain SH, Fukumura M, Muiz Aziz A, Jin CM, Jin LW, Garcia-Milian R, Vasiliou V, Deziel NC. Prioritization of reproductive toxicants in unconventional oil and gas operations using a multi-country regulatory data-driven hazard assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 117:348-358. [PMID: 29793188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent trends have witnessed the global growth of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production. Epidemiologic studies have suggested associations between proximity to UOG operations with increased adverse birth outcomes and cancer, though specific potential etiologic agents have not yet been identified. To perform effective risk assessment of chemicals used in UOG production, the first step of hazard identification followed by prioritization specifically for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity is crucial in an evidence-based risk assessment approach. To date, there is no single hazard classification list based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS), with countries applying the GHS standards to generate their own chemical hazard classification lists. A current challenge for chemical prioritization, particularly for a multi-national industry, is inconsistent hazard classification which may result in misjudgment of the potential public health risks. We present a novel approach for hazard identification followed by prioritization of reproductive toxicants found in UOG operations using publicly available regulatory databases. METHODS GHS classification for reproductive toxicity of 157 UOG-related chemicals identified as potential reproductive or developmental toxicants in a previous publication was assessed using eleven governmental regulatory agency databases. If there was discordance in classifications across agencies, the most stringent classification was assigned. Chemicals in the category of known or presumed human reproductive toxicants were further evaluated for carcinogenicity and germ cell mutagenicity based on government classifications. A scoring system was utilized to assign numerical values for reproductive health, cancer and germ cell mutation hazard endpoints. Using a Cytoscape analysis, both qualitative and quantitative results were presented visually to readily identify high priority UOG chemicals with evidence of multiple adverse effects. RESULTS We observed substantial inconsistencies in classification among the 11 databases. By adopting the most stringent classification within and across countries, 43 chemicals were classified as known or presumed human reproductive toxicants (GHS Category 1), while 31 chemicals were classified as suspected human reproductive toxicants (GHS Category 2). The 43 reproductive toxicants were further subjected to analysis for carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Calculated hazard scores and Cytoscape visualization yielded several high priority chemicals including potassium dichromate, cadmium, benzene and ethylene oxide. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal diverging GHS classification outcomes for UOG chemicals across regulatory agencies. Adoption of the most stringent classification with application of hazard scores provides a useful approach to prioritize reproductive toxicants in UOG and other industries for exposure assessments and selection of safer alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salmaan H Inayat-Hussain
- Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06250, USA.
| | - Masao Fukumura
- Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
| | - A Muiz Aziz
- Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
| | - Chai Meng Jin
- Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
| | - Low Wei Jin
- Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06250, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06250, USA
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06250, USA
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103
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Svechkina A, Dubnov J, Portnov BA. Environmental risk factors associated with low birth weight: The case study of the Haifa Bay Area in Israel. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:337-348. [PMID: 29778968 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birth weight (LBW) is known to be associated with infant mortality and postnatal health complications. Previous studies revealed strong relationships between LBW rate and several socio-demographic factors, including ethnicity, maternal age, and family income. However, studies of association between LBW rate and environmental risk factors remain infrequent. STUDY METHODS We retrieved a geo-referenced data set, containing 7216 individual records of children born in 2015 in the Haifa Bay Area in Israel. Using this dataset, we analysed factors affecting LBW prevalence by applying two alternative techniques: analysis of LBW rates in small census area (SCAs) and more recently developed double kernel density (DKD) relative risk (RR) estimates. RESULTS In the SCA models, LBW rate was found to be associated with proximity to petrochemical industries (B=-0.26, 95%CI=-0.30, -0.22), road density (B=0.05, 95%CI=0.02, 0.08), distance to the seashore (B=0.17, 95%CI=0.14, 0.22), PM2.5 (B=0.06, 95%CI=0.04, 0.09) and NOx (B=0.10, 95%CI=0.06, 0.13) exposure estimates. Although similar factors emerged in the DKD models as well, in most cases, the effects of these factors in the latter models were found to be stronger: proximity to petrochemical industries (B=-0.48, 95%CI= -0.51, -0.30), road density (B=0.05, 95%CI=0.02, 0.08), distance to the seashore (B=0.24, 95%CI=0.21, 0.27), PM2.5 (B=0.08, 95%CI=0.05, 0.10) and NOx (B=0.20, 95%CI=0.17, 0.23) exposure estimates. In addition, elevation above the sea level was found to be statistically significant in spatial dependence models estimated for both DKD and SCA rates (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The analysis revealed an excess LBW rate in residential areas located close to petrochemical industries and a protective effect of seashore proximity and elevation above the sea level on the LBW rate. We attribute the latter finding to the moderating effect of elevated seashore locations on outdoor temperatures during the hot summer season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Svechkina
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Faculty of Management, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Jonathan Dubnov
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Boris A Portnov
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Faculty of Management, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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104
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Casey JA, Wilcox HC, Hirsch AG, Pollak J, Schwartz BS. Associations of unconventional natural gas development with depression symptoms and disordered sleep in Pennsylvania. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11375. [PMID: 30054553 PMCID: PMC6063969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and community factors may influence the development or course of depression and sleep problems. We evaluated the association of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) with depression symptoms and disordered sleep diagnoses using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 and electronic health record data among Geisinger adult primary care patients in Pennsylvania. Participants received a retrospective metric for UNGD at their residence (very low, low, medium, and high) that incorporated dates and durations of well development, distance from patient homes to wells, and well characteristics. Analyses included 4,762 participants with no (62%), mild (23%), moderate (10%), and moderately severe or severe (5%) depression symptoms in 2014-2015 and 3,868 disordered sleep diagnoses between 2009-2015. We observed associations between living closer to more and bigger wells and depression symptoms, but not disordered sleep diagnoses in models weighted to account for sampling design and participation. High UNGD (vs. very low) was associated with depression symptoms in an adjusted negative binomial model (exponentiated coefficient = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.34). High and low UNGD (vs. very low) were associated with depression symptoms (vs. none) in an adjusted multinomial logistic model. Our findings suggest that UNGD may be associated with adverse mental health in Pennsylvania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A Casey
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, USA
| | - Holly C Wilcox
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Annemarie G Hirsch
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan Pollak
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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105
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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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106
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Fracking and public health: Evidence from gonorrhea incidence in the Marcellus Shale region. J Public Health Policy 2018; 38:464-481. [PMID: 28827566 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-017-0089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The United States (US) began to experience a boom in natural gas production in the 2000s due to the advent of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling technology. While the natural gas boom affected many people through lower energy prices, the strongest effects were concentrated in smaller communities where the fracking occurred. We analyze one potential cost to communities where fracking takes place: an increase of sexually transmitted diseases. We use a quasi-natural experiment within the Marcellus shale region plus panel data estimation techniques to quantify the impact of fracking activity on local gonorrhea incidences. We found fracking activity to be associated with an increase in gonorrhea. Our findings may be useful to public health officials. To make informed decisions about resource extraction, policy makers as well as regulators and communities need to be informed of all the benefits as well as the costs.
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107
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Boulé LA, Chapman TJ, Hillman SE, Kassotis CD, O’Dell C, Robert J, Georas SN, Nagel SC, Lawrence BP. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of 23 Chemicals Associated With Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations Alters the Immune System of Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:639-654. [PMID: 29718478 PMCID: PMC5974794 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have the potential to cause adverse biological effects, but this has not been thoroughly evaluated. A notable knowledge gap is their impact on development and function of the immune system. Herein, we report an investigation of whether developmental exposure to a mixture of chemicals associated with UOG operations affects the development and function of the immune system. We used a previously characterized mixture of 23 chemicals associated with UOG, and which was demonstrated to affect reproductive and developmental endpoints in mice. C57Bl/6 mice were maintained throughout pregnancy and during lactation on water containing two concentrations of this 23-chemical mixture, and the immune system of male and female adult offspring was assessed. We comprehensively examined the cellularity of primary and secondary immune organs, and used three different disease models to probe potential immune effects: house dust mite-induced allergic airway disease, influenza A virus infection, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In all three disease models, developmental exposure altered frequencies of certain T cell sub-populations in female, but not male, offspring. Additionally, in the EAE model disease onset occurred earlier and was more severe in females. Our findings indicate that developmental exposure to this mixture had persistent immunological effects that differed by sex, and exacerbated responses in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalitis. These observations suggest that developmental exposure to complex mixtures of water contaminants, such as those derived from UOG operations, could contribute to immune dysregulation and disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J Chapman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Sara E Hillman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | | | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Steve N Georas
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
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Gonzales M, Erdei E, Hoover J, Nash J. A Review of Environmental Epidemiology Studies in Southwestern and Mountain West Rural Minority Populations. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2018; 5:101-113. [PMID: 30906685 PMCID: PMC6426134 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-018-0146-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the recent epidemiologic literature examining environmental exposures and health outcomes in rural, minority populations in the southwestern and mountain west region of the United States identifying areas requiring further data and research. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies (2012-2017) in this region have primarily focused on arsenic exposure (n=10 studies) with similar results reported across populations in this region. Associations between arsenic and cadmium were reported for cardiovascular and kidney disease, type II diabetes, cognitive function, hypothyroidism, and increased prevalence and mortality for lung and other cancers. Also in this review are studies of exposure to particulate matter, environmental tobacco smoke, pesticides and fungicides, heat and ozone. SUMMARY Although small, the current literature identified in this review report consistent adverse health outcomes associated with particulate matter, arsenic, cadmium, and other exposures among rural, minority populations in the southwest/mountain west region of the U.S. This literature provides important insight into the environmental exposures and health effects experienced by the rural populations in these regions. Additional studies that identify sources of environmental exposure are needed. Greater representation of the rural and minority populations from this region into large health studies also remains a need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Gonzales
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
| | - Esther Erdei
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360 Albuquerque, NM, 87131
| | - Joseph Hoover
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360 Albuquerque, NM, 87131
| | - Jacob Nash
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Health Sciences Library and Information Center, MSC09 5100, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
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Koehler K, Ellis JH, Casey JA, Manthos D, Bandeen-Roche K, Platt R, Schwartz BS. Exposure Assessment Using Secondary Data Sources in Unconventional Natural Gas Development and Health Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:6061-6069. [PMID: 29697245 PMCID: PMC6437780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) and health have ranked participants along a gradient of geographic information system (GIS)-based activity that incorporated the distance between participants' home addresses and unconventional natural gas wells. However, studies have used different activity metrics, making result comparisons across the studies difficult. The existing studies have only incorporated wells, without accounting for other components of development (e.g., compressors, impoundments, and flaring events), for which it is often difficult to obtain reliable data but may have relevance to health. Our aims were to (1) describe, in space and time, UNGD-related compressors, impoundments, and flaring events; (2) evaluate whether and how to incorporate these into UNGD activity assessment; and (3) evaluate associations of these different approaches with mild asthma exacerbations. We identified 361 compressor stations, 1218 impoundments, and 216 locations with flaring events. A principal component analysis identified a single component that was approximately an equal mix of the metrics for compressors, impoundments, and four phases of well development (pad preparation, drilling, stimulation, and production). However, temporal coverage for impoundments and flaring data was sparse. Ultimately, we evaluated three UNGD activity metrics, including two based on the existing studies and a novel metric that included well pad development, drilling, stimulation, production, and compressor engine aspects of UNGD. The three metrics had varying magnitudes of association with mild asthma exacerbations, although the highest category of each metric (vs the lowest) was associated with the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
| | - J Hugh Ellis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
| | - Joan A Casey
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences , University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - David Manthos
- SkyTruth , Shepherdstown , West Virginia 25443 , United States
| | - Karen Bandeen-Roche
- Department of Biostatistics , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
| | - Rutherford Platt
- Department of Environmental Studies , Gettysburg College , Gettysburg , Pennsylvania 17325 , United States
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research , Geisinger Health System , Danville , Pennsylvania 17822 , United States
- Department of Medicine , Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
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110
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Mayer A. Contingency, cost, and a fracking ban: Extending sociological research with the contingent valuation method. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2059799118790741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Documenting patterns of environmental concerns has been a core effort of environmental sociology since the founding of the sub-discipline. Environmental economists, on the other hand, are pre-occupied with the valuation of non-market goods like ecosystems services and environmental policy. In this article, we argue that sociologists should cautiously embrace non-market valuation methods, particularly the contingent valuation method. We provide a motivating empirical example by considering the case of support for a fracking ban among residents of Colorado, USA. Our analysis suggests that Colorado residents’ support for a fracking ban is somewhat contingent upon the costs created by said ban. We then conclude by discussing how sociologists might extend research on non-market valuation with sociological insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mayer
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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112
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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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113
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Webb E, Moon J, Dyrszka L, Rodriguez B, Cox C, Patisaul H, Bushkin S, London E. Neurodevelopmental and neurological effects of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas operations and their potential effects on infants and children. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 33:3-29. [PMID: 29068792 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (arsenic and manganese), particulate matter (PM), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been linked to significant neurodevelopmental health problems in infants, children and young adults. These substances are widely used in, or become byproducts of unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) development and operations. Every stage of the UOG lifecycle, from well construction to extraction, operations, transportation and distribution can lead to air and water contamination. Residents near UOG operations can suffer from increased exposure to elevated concentrations of air and water pollutants. Here we focus on five air and water pollutants that have been associated with potentially permanent learning and neuropsychological deficits, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological birth defects. Given the profound sensitivity of the developing brain and central nervous system, it is reasonable to conclude that young children who experience frequent exposure to these pollutants are at particularly high risk for chronic neurological diseases. More research is needed to understand the extent of these concerns in the context of UOG, but since UOG development has expanded rapidly in recent years, the need for public health prevention techniques, well-designed studies and stronger state and national regulatory standards is becoming increasingly apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Webb
- Center for Environmental Health, 2201 Broadway, Suite 302, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | | | - Larysa Dyrszka
- Physicians for Social Responsibility, Glen Spey, NY, USA
| | | | - Caroline Cox
- Center for Environmental Health, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Heather Patisaul
- North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sheila Bushkin
- Institute for Health and the Environment, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Eric London
- Institute for Basic Research, New York, NY, USA
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114
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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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115
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Walker Whitworth K, Kaye Marshall A, Symanski E. Drilling and Production Activity Related to Unconventional Gas Development and Severity of Preterm Birth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:037006. [PMID: 29578659 PMCID: PMC6071723 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of unconventional gas development (UGD) and preterm birth (PTB) have not presented risk estimates by well development phase or trimester. OBJECTIVE We examined phase and trimester-specific associations between UGD activity and PTB. METHODS We conducted a case-control study of women with singleton births in the Barnett Shale area, Texas, from 30 November 2010 to 29 November 2012. We individually age- and race/ethnicity-matched five controls to each PTB case (n=13,328) and truncated controls' time at risk according to the matched case's gestational age. We created phase-specific UGD-activity metrics: a) inverse squared distance-weighted (IDW) count of wells in the drilling phase ≤0.5 mi (804.7 meters) of the residence and b) IDW sum of natural gas produced ≤0.5 mi of the residence. We also constructed trimester- and gestation-specific metrics. Metrics were categorized as follows: zero wells (reference), first, second, third tertiles of UGD activity. Analyses were repeated by PTB severity: extreme, very, and moderate (<28, 28 to<32, and 32 to<37 completed weeks). Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS We found increased odds of PTB in the third tertile of the UGD drilling {odds ratio (OR)=1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.37]} and UGD-production [OR=1.15 (1.05, 1.26)] metrics. Among women in the third tertile of UGD-production, associations were strongest in trimesters one [OR=1.18 (1.02, 1.37)] and two [OR=1.14 (0.99, 1.31). The greatest risk was observed for extremely PTB [third tertile ORs: UGD drilling, 2.00 (1.23, 3.24); UGD production, 1.53 (1.03-2.27)]. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of differences in phase- and trimester-specific associations of UGD and PTB and indication of particular risk associated with extremely preterm birth. Future studies should focus on quantifying specific chemical and nonchemical stressors associated with UGD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2622.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Walker Whitworth
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda Kaye Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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Saunders PJ, McCoy D, Goldstein R, Saunders AT, Munroe A. A review of the public health impacts of unconventional natural gas development. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1-57. [PMID: 27921191 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The public health impact of hydraulic fracturing remains a high profile and controversial issue. While there has been a recent surge of published papers, it remains an under-researched area despite being possibly the most substantive change in energy production since the advent of the fossil fuel economy. We review the evidence of effects in five public health domains with a particular focus on the UK: exposure, health, socio-economic, climate change and seismicity. While the latter would seem not to be of significance for the UK, we conclude that serious gaps in our understanding of the other potential impacts persist together with some concerning signals in the literature and legitimate uncertainties derived from first principles. There is a fundamental requirement for high-quality epidemiological research incorporating real exposure measures, improved understanding of methane leakage throughout the process, and a rigorous analysis of the UK social and economic impacts. In the absence of such intelligence, we consider it prudent to incentivise further research and delay any proposed developments in the UK. Recognising the political realities of the planning and permitting process, we make a series of recommendations to protect public health in the event of hydraulic fracturing being approved in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Saunders
- University of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
| | - D McCoy
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - R Goldstein
- West Midlands Public Health Training Scheme, Birmingham, UK
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Shamasunder B, Collier-Oxandale A, Blickley J, Sadd J, Chan M, Navarro S, Hannigan M, Wong NJ. Community-Based Health and Exposure Study around Urban Oil Developments in South Los Angeles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E138. [PMID: 29342985 PMCID: PMC5800237 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Oilfield-adjacent communities often report symptoms such as headaches and/or asthma. Yet, little data exists on health experiences and exposures in urban environments with oil and gas development. In partnership with Promotoras de Salud (community health workers), we gathered household surveys nearby two oil production sites in Los Angeles. We tested the capacity of low-cost sensors for localized exposure estimates. Bilingual surveys of 205 randomly sampled residences were collected within two 1500 ft. buffer areas (West Adams and University Park) surrounding oil development sites. We used a one-sample proportion test, comparing overall rates from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) of Service Planning Area 6 (SPA6) and Los Angeles County for variables of interest such as asthma. Field calibrated low-cost sensors recorded methane emissions. Physician diagnosed asthma rates were reported to be higher within both buffers than in SPA6 or LA County. Asthma prevalence in West Adams but not University Park was significantly higher than in Los Angeles County. Respondents with diagnosed asthma reported rates of emergency room visits in the previous 12 months similar to SPA6. 45% of respondents were unaware of oil development; 63% of residents would not know how to contact local regulatory authorities. Residents often seek information about their health and site-related activities. Low-cost sensors may be useful in highlighting differences between sites or recording larger emission events and can provide localized data alongside resident-reported symptoms. Regulatory officials should help clarify information to the community on methods for reporting health symptoms. Our community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership supports efforts to answer community questions as residents seek a safety buffer between sensitive land uses and active oil development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Shamasunder
- Urban and Environmental Policy Department, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314, USA.
| | - Ashley Collier-Oxandale
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0427, USA.
| | - Jessica Blickley
- Center for Digital Liberal Arts, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314, USA.
| | - James Sadd
- Geology Department, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314, USA.
| | - Marissa Chan
- Urban and Environmental Policy Department, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314, USA.
| | - Sandy Navarro
- Esperanza Community Housing, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
| | - Michael Hannigan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0427, USA.
| | - Nicole J Wong
- Redeemer Community Partnership, Los Angeles, CA 90018, USA.
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McCarron G. Air Pollution and human health hazards: a compilation of air toxins acknowledged by the gas industry in Queensland’s Darling Downs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00207233.2017.1413221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geralyn McCarron
- Castle Hill Medical Centre, Murrumba Downs, Queensland, Australia
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119
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Valter N, Chevrier J, Ayotte P, Frohlich K, Verner MA. Gestational exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada: A pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:131-138. [PMID: 29122312 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) is an area of intense hydraulic fracturing for unconventional natural gas exploitation. There have been multiple reports of air and water contamination by volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of gas wells. Although these chemicals are known developmental toxicants, no biomonitoring effort has been carried out in the region. OBJECTIVE To evaluate gestational exposure to benzene and toluene in the Peace River Valley, Northeastern British Columbia (Canada). METHODS Urine samples were collected over five consecutive days from 29 pregnant women. Metabolites of benzene (s-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) and trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA)) and toluene (s-benzylmercapturic acid (S-BMA)) were measured in pooled urine samples from each participant. Levels of benzene metabolites were compared to those from the general Canadian population and from a biomonitoring study of residents from an area of active gas exploitation in Pavillion, Wyoming (USA). Levels measured in participants from the two recruitment sites, and self-identifying as Indigenous or non-Indigenous, were also compared. RESULTS Whereas the median S-PMA level (0.18μg/g creatinine) in our study was similar to that in the general Canadian population, the median t,t-MA level (180μg/g creatinine) was approximately 3.5 times higher. Five women had t,t-MA levels above the biological exposure index® proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The median urinary S-BMA level in our pilot study was 7.00μg/g creatinine. Urinary metabolite levels were slightly higher in self-identifying Indigenous women, but this difference was only statistically significant for S-PMA. DISCUSSION Urinary t,t-MA levels, but not S-PMA levels, measured in our study are suggestive of a higher benzene exposure in participating pregnant women from the Peace River Valley than in the general Canadian population. Given the small sample size and limitations of t,t-MA measurements (e.g., non-specificity), more extensive monitoring is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada; INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Naomi Valter
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medecine, 1020 Pine Avenue West, room 42, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de la Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada; Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Katherine Frohlich
- Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada
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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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121
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Weinberger B, Greiner LH, Walleigh L, Brown D. Health symptoms in residents living near shale gas activity: A retrospective record review from the Environmental Health Project. Prev Med Rep 2017; 8:112-115. [PMID: 29021947 PMCID: PMC5633856 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrates an association between health symptoms and exposure to unconventional natural gas development (UNGD). The purpose of this study is to describe the health of adults in communities with intense UNGD who presented for evaluation of symptoms. Records of 135 structured health assessments conducted between February 2012 and October 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Publicly available data were used to determine proximity to gas wells. Analysis was restricted to records of adults who lived within 1 km of a well in Pennsylvania and denied employment in the gas industry (n = 51). Symptoms in each record were reviewed by a physician. Symptoms that could be explained by pre-existing or concurrent conditions or social history and those that began or worsened prior to exposure were excluded. Exposure was calculated using date of well drilling within 1 km. The number of symptoms/participant ranged from 0 to 19 (mean = 6.2; SD = 5.1). Symptoms most commonly reported were: sleep disruption, headache, throat irritation, stress or anxiety, cough, shortness of breath, sinus problems, fatigue, nausea, and wheezing. These results are consistent with findings of prior studies using self-report without physician review. In comparison, our results are strengthened by the collection of health data by a health care provider, critical review of symptoms for possible alternative causes, and confirmation of timing of exposure to unconventional natural gas well relative to symptom onset or exacerbation. Our findings confirm earlier studies and add to the growing body of evidence of the association between symptoms and exposure to UNGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Weinberger
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, The Grove, 760 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Lydia H. Greiner
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, 2001 Waterdam Plaza Suite 201, McMurray, PA 15317, United States
| | - Leslie Walleigh
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, 2001 Waterdam Plaza Suite 201, McMurray, PA 15317, United States
| | - David Brown
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, The Grove, 760 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510, United States
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122
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Currie J, Greenstone M, Meckel K. Hydraulic fracturing and infant health: New evidence from Pennsylvania. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1603021. [PMID: 29242825 PMCID: PMC5729015 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1603021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The development of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") is considered the biggest change to the global energy production system in the last half-century. However, several communities have banned fracking because of unresolved concerns about the impact of this process on human health. To evaluate the potential health impacts of fracking, we analyzed records of more than 1.1 million births in Pennsylvania from 2004 to 2013, comparing infants born to mothers living at different distances from active fracking sites and those born both before and after fracking was initiated at each site. We adjusted for fixed maternal determinants of infant health by comparing siblings who were and were not exposed to fracking sites in utero. We found evidence for negative health effects of in utero exposure to fracking sites within 3 km of a mother's residence, with the largest health impacts seen for in utero exposure within 1 km of fracking sites. Negative health impacts include a greater incidence of low-birth weight babies as well as significant declines in average birth weight and in several other measures of infant health. There is little evidence for health effects at distances beyond 3 km, suggesting that health impacts of fracking are highly local. Informal estimates suggest that about 29,000 of the nearly 4 million annual U.S. births occur within 1 km of an active fracking site and that these births therefore may be at higher risk of poor birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Currie
- Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael Greenstone
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Katherine Meckel
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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123
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Nielsen CC, Amrhein CG, Osornio-Vargas AR. Mapping outdoor habitat and abnormally small newborns to develop an ambient health hazard index. Int J Health Geogr 2017; 16:43. [PMID: 29183340 PMCID: PMC5704543 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-017-0117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The geography of where pregnant mothers live is important for understanding outdoor environmental habitat that may result in adverse birth outcomes. We investigated whether more babies were born small for gestational age or low birth weight at term to mothers living in environments with a higher accumulation of outdoor hazards. Methods Live singleton births from the Alberta Perinatal Health Program, 2006–2012, were classified according to birth outcome, and used in a double kernel density estimation to determine ratios of each outcome per total births. Individual and overlay indices of spatial models of 136 air emissions and 18 land variables were correlated with the small for gestational age and low birth weight at term, for the entire province and sub-provincially. Results There were 24 air substances and land sources correlated with both small for gestational age and low birth weight at term density ratios. On the provincial scale, there were 13 air substances and 2 land factors; sub-provincial analysis found 8 additional air substances and 1 land source. Conclusion This study used a combination of multiple outdoor variables over a large geographic area in an objective model, which may be repeated over time or in other study areas. The air substance-weighted index best identified where mothers having abnormally small newborns lived within areas of potential outdoor hazards. However, individual air substances and the weighted index provide complementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene C Nielsen
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-591 ECHA, 11,405 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Carl G Amrhein
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Alvaro R Osornio-Vargas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-591 ECHA, 11,405 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
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Does increased traffic flow around unconventional resource development activities represent the major respiratory hazard to neighboring communities?: knowns and unknowns. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2017; 23:161-166. [PMID: 28030372 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The objective of this review is to demonstrate that the focus on air emissions causing respiratory effects and associated with gas development may be misplaced by attributing those exposures mainly to well pad activities. RECENT FINDINGS The most recent publications on the health effects of hydraulic fracturing operations seem to parallel findings from studies of diesel particulate exposure near roadways and the health effects associated with those exposures. It seems at least possible that some, if not all, of the respiratory effects associated with unconventional resource development may be traffic-related. Road traffic generated by hydraulic fracturing operations is one possible source of environmental impact whose significance has, until now, been largely neglected in the available literature with 4000 to 6000 vehicles visiting the well pad. SUMMARY Exposures from well pads diminish rapidly with distances of only a few kilometers but there is evidence showing disease risk multiple kilometers from well pads. This leaves open the possibility that the several thousand vehicle trips per well pad create traffic emissions over wide areas away from the pad. This alternative source of exposure has not previously been well studied but is being more seriously considered.
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125
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Allshouse WB, Adgate JL, Blair BD, McKenzie LM. Spatiotemporal Industrial Activity Model for Estimating the Intensity of Oil and Gas Operations in Colorado. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:10243-10250. [PMID: 28715172 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas (O&G) production in the United States has increased in the last 15 years, and operations, which are trending toward large multiwell pads, release hazardous air pollutants. Health studies have relied on proximity to O&G wells as an exposure metric, typically using an inverse distance-weighting (IDW) approach. Because O&G emissions are dependent on multiple factors, a dynamic model is needed to describe the variability in air pollution emissions over space and time. We used information on Colorado O&G activities, production volumes, and air pollutant emission rates from two Colorado basins to create a spatiotemporal industrial activity model to develop an intensity-adjusted IDW well-count metric. The Spearman correlation coefficient between this metric and measured pollutant concentrations was 0.74. We applied our model to households in Greeley, Colorado, which is in the middle of the densely developed Denver-Julesburg basin. Our intensity-adjusted IDW increased the unadjusted IDW dynamic range by a factor of 19 and distinguishes high-intensity events, such as hydraulic fracturing and flowback, from lower-intensity events, such as production at single-well pads. As the frequency of multiwell pads increases, it will become increasingly important to characterize the range of intensities at O&G sites when conducting epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Benjamin D Blair
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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Czolowski ED, Santoro RL, Srebotnjak T, Shonkoff SBC. Toward Consistent Methodology to Quantify Populations in Proximity to Oil and Gas Development: A National Spatial Analysis and Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:086004. [PMID: 28858829 PMCID: PMC5783652 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher risk of exposure to environmental health hazards near oil and gas wells has spurred interest in quantifying populations that live in proximity to oil and gas development. The available studies on this topic lack consistent methodology and ignore aspects of oil and gas development of value to public health-relevant assessment and decision-making. OBJECTIVES We aim to present a methodological framework for oil and gas development proximity studies grounded in an understanding of hydrocarbon geology and development techniques. METHODS We geospatially overlay locations of active oil and gas wells in the conterminous United States and Census data to estimate the population living in proximity to hydrocarbon development at the national and state levels. We compare our methods and findings with existing proximity studies. RESULTS Nationally, we estimate that 17.6 million people live within 1,600m (∼1 mi) of at least one active oil and/or gas well. Three of the eight studies overestimate populations at risk from actively producing oil and gas wells by including wells without evidence of production or drilling completion and/or using inappropriate population allocation methods. The remaining five studies, by omitting conventional wells in regions dominated by historical conventional development, significantly underestimate populations at risk. CONCLUSIONS The well inventory guidelines we present provide an improved methodology for hydrocarbon proximity studies by acknowledging the importance of both conventional and unconventional well counts as well as the relative exposure risks associated with different primary production categories (e.g., oil, wet gas, dry gas) and developmental stages of wells. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1535.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Seth B C Shonkoff
- PSE Healthy Energy , Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley , Berkeley, California, USA
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
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127
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Maternal residential proximity to unconventional gas development and perinatal outcomes among a diverse urban population in Texas. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180966. [PMID: 28732016 PMCID: PMC5522007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess associations between unconventional natural gas development (UGD) and perinatal outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective birth cohort study among 158,894 women with a birth or fetal death from November 30, 2010-November 29, 2012 in the Barnett Shale, in North Texas. We constructed three UGD-activity metrics by calculating the inverse distance-weighted sum of active wells within three separate geographic buffers surrounding the maternal residence: ≤½, 2, or 10-miles. We excluded women if the nearest well to her residence was >20 miles. Metrics were categorized by tertiles among women with ≥1 well within the respective buffer; women with zero wells ≤10 miles (the largest buffer) served as a common referent group. We used logistic or linear regression with generalized estimating equations to assess associations between UGD-activity and preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), fetal death, or birthweight. Adjusted models of fetal death and birthweight included: maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, smoking, adequacy of prenatal care, previous poor pregnancy outcome, and infant sex. Preterm birth models included all of the above except parity; SGA models included all of the above except previous poor pregnancy outcome. RESULTS We found increased adjusted odds of preterm birth associated with UGD-activity in the highest tertiles of the ½- (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.25), 2- (1.14; 1.07, 1.22), and 10-mile (1.15; 1.08, 1.22) metrics. Increased adjusted odds of fetal death were found in the second tertile of the 2-mile metric (1.56; 1.16, 2.11) and the highest tertile of the 10-mile metric (1.34; 1.04-1.72). We found little indication of an association with SGA or term birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Our results are suggestive of an association between maternal residential proximity to UGD-activity and preterm birth and fetal death. Quantifying chemical and non-chemical stressors among residents near UGD should be prioritized.
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Werner AK, Cameron CM, Watt K, Vink S, Jagals P, Page A. Is Increasing Coal Seam Gas Well Development Activity Associated with Increasing Hospitalisation Rates in Queensland, Australia? An Exploratory Analysis 1995-2011. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E540. [PMID: 28524113 PMCID: PMC5451990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of Australia's coal seam gas (CSG) reserves are in Queensland, where the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. Despite concerns, health data have not been examined alongside CSG development. This study examined hospitalisation rates as a function of CSG development activity in Queensland, during the period 1995-2011. Admissions data were examined with CSG well numbers, which served as a proxy for CSG development activity. Time series models were used to assess changes in hospitalisation rates for periods of "low", "medium", "high", and "intense" activity compared to a period of "very low" activity, adjusting for covariates. "All-cause" hospitalisation rates increased monotonically with increasing gas well development activity in females (324.0 to 390.3 per 1000 persons) and males (294.2 to 335.4 per 1000 persons). Hospitalisation rates for "Blood/immune" conditions generally increased for both sexes. Female and male hospitalisation rates for "Circulatory" conditions decreased with increasing CSG activity. Hospitalisation rates were generally low for reproductive and birth outcomes; no clear associations were observed. This study showed some outcomes were associated with increasing CSG development activity. However, as a condition of data access, the population and outcomes were aggregated to a broad geographic study area rather than using higher geographic resolution data. Higher resolution data, as well as other data sources, should be explored. Further research should be conducted with an expanded time period to determine if these trends continue as the industry grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Werner
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Cate M Cameron
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Logan, QLD 4131, Australia.
| | - Kerrianne Watt
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Sue Vink
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Paul Jagals
- Children's Health and Environment Programme, University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.
| | - Andrew Page
- Centre for Health Research, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2150, Australia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the recent epidemiologic literature examining health outcomes in communities living close to unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) and identifies areas requiring further study. RECENT FINDINGS To date, these studies have been primarily retrospective in design and used self-report of health symptoms or electronic health databases to obtain outcome information. Proximity to UNGD is often used as a surrogate for exposure. There is preliminary evidence linking respiratory outcomes, including asthma exacerbations, and birth outcomes, such as reduced fetal growth and preterm birth, to UNGD; however, results differ across study populations and regions. SUMMARY Although small, the current body of literature suggests that living near UNGD may have negative health consequences for surrounding communities, but additional work using more granular estimates of exposure or personalized monitoring is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina L. Stacy
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Box G-S121-2, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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130
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Hays J, McCawley M, Shonkoff SBC. Public health implications of environmental noise associated with unconventional oil and gas development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 580:448-456. [PMID: 27939937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Modern oil and gas development frequently occurs in close proximity to human populations and increased levels of ambient noise have been documented throughout some phases of development. Numerous studies have evaluated air and water quality degradation and human exposure pathways, but few have evaluated potential health risks and impacts from environmental noise exposure. We reviewed the scientific literature on environmental noise exposure to determine the potential concerns, if any, that noise from oil and gas development activities present to public health. Data on noise levels associated with oil and gas development are limited, but measurements can be evaluated amidst the large body of epidemiology assessing the non-auditory effects of environmental noise exposure and established public health guidelines for community noise. There are a large number of noise dependent and subjective factors that make the determination of a dose response relationship between noise and health outcomes difficult. However, the literature indicates that oil and gas activities produce noise at levels that may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including annoyance, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular disease. More studies that investigate the relationships between noise exposure and human health risks from unconventional oil and gas development are warranted. Finally, policies and mitigation techniques that limit human exposure to noise from oil and gas operations should be considered to reduce health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Hays
- PSE Healthy Energy, New York, NY, USA; Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Michael McCawley
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Seth B C Shonkoff
- PSE Healthy Energy, Oakland, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
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131
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Childhood hematologic cancer and residential proximity to oil and gas development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170423. [PMID: 28199334 PMCID: PMC5310851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oil and gas development emits known hematological carcinogens, such as benzene, and increasingly occurs in residential areas. We explored whether residential proximity to oil and gas development was associated with risk for hematologic cancers using a registry-based case-control study design. Methods Participants were 0–24 years old, living in rural Colorado, and diagnosed with cancer between 2001–2013. For each child in our study, we calculated inverse distance weighted (IDW) oil and gas well counts within a 16.1-kilometer radius of residence at cancer diagnosis for each year in a 10 year latency period to estimate density of oil and gas development. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, race, gender, income, and elevation was used to estimate associations across IDW well count tertiles for 87 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cases and 50 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases, compared to 528 controls with non-hematologic cancers. Findings Overall, ALL cases 0–24 years old were more likely to live in the highest IDW well count tertiles compared to controls, but findings differed substantially by age. For ages 5–24, ALL cases were 4.3 times as likely to live in the highest tertile, compared to controls (95% CI: 1.1 to 16), with a monotonic increase in risk across tertiles (trend p-value = 0.035). Further adjustment for year of diagnosis increased the association. No association was found between ALL for children aged 0–4 years or NHL and IDW well counts. While our study benefited from the ability to select cases and controls from the same population, use of cancer-controls, the limited number of ALL and NHL cases, and aggregation of ages into five year ranges, may have biased our associations toward the null. In addition, absence of information on O&G well activities, meteorology, and topography likely reduced temporal and spatial specificity in IDW well counts. Conclusion Because oil and gas development has potential to expose a large population to known hematologic carcinogens, further study is clearly needed to substantiate both our positive and negative findings. Future studies should incorporate information on oil and gas development activities and production levels, as well as levels of specific pollutants of interest (e.g. benzene) near homes, schools, and day care centers; provide age-specific residential histories; compare cases to controls without cancer; and address other potential confounders, and environmental stressors.
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132
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Elliott EG, Trinh P, Ma X, Leaderer BP, Ward MH, Deziel NC. Unconventional oil and gas development and risk of childhood leukemia: Assessing the evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:138-147. [PMID: 27783932 PMCID: PMC6457992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The widespread distribution of unconventional oil and gas (UO&G) wells and other facilities in the United States potentially exposes millions of people to air and water pollutants, including known or suspected carcinogens. Childhood leukemia is a particular concern because of the disease severity, vulnerable population, and short disease latency. A comprehensive review of carcinogens and leukemogens associated with UO&G development is not available and could inform future exposure monitoring studies and human health assessments. The objective of this analysis was to assess the evidence of carcinogenicity of water contaminants and air pollutants related to UO&G development. We obtained a list of 1177 chemicals in hydraulic fracturing fluids and wastewater from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and constructed a list of 143 UO&G-related air pollutants through a review of scientific papers published through 2015 using PubMed and ProQuest databases. We assessed carcinogenicity and evidence of increased risk for leukemia/lymphoma of these chemicals using International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monographs. The majority of compounds (>80%) were not evaluated by IARC and therefore could not be reviewed. Of the 111 potential water contaminants and 29 potential air pollutants evaluated by IARC (119 unique compounds), 49 water and 20 air pollutants were known, probable, or possible human carcinogens (55 unique compounds). A total of 17 water and 11 air pollutants (20 unique compounds) had evidence of increased risk for leukemia/lymphoma, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, cadmium, diesel exhaust, and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Though information on the carcinogenicity of compounds associated with UO&G development was limited, our assessment identified 20 known or suspected carcinogens that could be measured in future studies to advance exposure and risk assessments of cancer-causing agents. Our findings support the need for investigation into the relationship between UO&G development and risk of cancer in general and childhood leukemia in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise G Elliott
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Pauline Trinh
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brian P Leaderer
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mary H Ward
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20850, USA
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA..
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Yan B, Stute M, Panettieri RA, Ross J, Mailloux B, Neidell MJ, Soares L, Howarth M, Liu X, Saberi P, Chillrud SN. Association of groundwater constituents with topography and distance to unconventional gas wells in NE Pennsylvania. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 577:195-201. [PMID: 27817928 PMCID: PMC5116425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recently we reported an association of certain diseases with unconventional gas development (UGD). The purpose of this study is to examine UGD's possible impacts on groundwater quality in northeastern Pennsylvania. In this study, we compared our groundwater data (Columbia 58 samples) with those published data from Cabot (1701 samples) and Duke University (150 samples). For each dataset, proportions of samples with elevated levels of dissolved constituents were compared among four groups, identified as upland far (i.e. ≥1km to the nearest UGD gas well), upland near (<1km), valley far (≥1km), and valley near (<1km) groups. The Columbia data do not show statistically significant differences among the 4 groups, probably due to the limited number of samples. In Duke samples, Ca and CI levels are significantly higher in the valley near group than in the valley far group. In the Cabot dataset, methane, Na, and Mn levels are significantly higher in valley far samples than in upland far samples. In valley samples, Ca, Cl, SO4, and Fe are significantly higher in the near group (i.e. <1km) than in the far group. The association of these constituents in valley groundwater with distance is observed for the first time using a large industry dataset. The increase may be caused by enhanced mixing of shallow and deep groundwater in valley, possibly triggered by UGD process. If persistent, these changes indicate potential for further impact on groundwater quality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct more studies to investigate effects of UGD on water quality and possible health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beizhan Yan
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Rt. 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States.
| | - Martin Stute
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Rt. 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States; Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College, NY, NY, United States
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - James Ross
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Rt. 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
| | - Brian Mailloux
- Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College, NY, NY, United States
| | - Matthew J Neidell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lissa Soares
- Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College, NY, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn Howarth
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Biostatics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pouné Saberi
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven N Chillrud
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Rt. 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
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Woods N, Gilliland J, Seabrook JA. The influence of the built environment on adverse birth outcomes. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2017; 10:233-248. [PMID: 28854508 DOI: 10.3233/npm-16112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and higher risk for coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Although there has been considerable research investigating the association between maternal and environmental factors on adverse birth outcomes, one risk factor, not fully understood, is the influence of the built environment. A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted to find articles assessing the influence of the built environment on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). In total, 41 studies met our inclusion criteria, and were organized into nine categories: Roadways, Greenness, Power Plants, Gas Stations/Wells, Waste Management, Power Lines, Neighborhood Conditions, Food Environment, and Industry. The most common built environmental variable was roads/traffic, encompassing 17/41 (41%) of the articles reviewed, of which 12/17 (71%) found a significant small to moderate association between high traffic exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Woods
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
| | - J Gilliland
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - J A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Malin SA, Mayer A, Shreeve K, Olson-Hazboun SK, Adgate J. Free Market Ideology and Deregulation in Colorado's Oilfields: Evidence for triple movement activism? ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS 2017; 26:521-545. [PMID: 29225425 PMCID: PMC5720149 DOI: 10.1080/09644016.2017.1287627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas extraction (UOGE) has spurred an unprecedented boom in on-shore production in the U.S. Despite a surge in related research, a void exists regarding inquiries into policy outcomes and perceptions. To address this, support for federal regulatory exemptions for UOGE is examined using survey data collected in 2015 from two northern Colorado communities. Current regulatory exemptions for UOGE can be understood as components of broader societal processes of neoliberalization. Free market ideology increases public support for federal regulatory exemptions for UOGE. Perceived negative impacts do not necessarily drive people to support increased federal regulation. Utilizing neo-Polanyian theory, interaction between free market ideology and perceived negative impacts is explored. Free market ideology appears to moderate people's views of regulation: increasing the effect of perceived negative impacts while simultaneously increasing support for deregulation. To conclude, the ways in which free market ideology might normalize the impacts of UOGE activity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Malin
- B234 Clark Building, Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Adam Mayer
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Kelly Shreeve
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Shawn K Olson-Hazboun
- Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah, State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - John Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Russell MC, Belle JH, Liu Y. The impact of three recent coal-fired power plant closings on Pittsburgh air quality: A natural experiment. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2017; 67:3-16. [PMID: 27027572 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2016.1170738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Relative to the rest of the United States, the region of southwestern Pennsylvania, including metropolitan Pittsburgh, experiences high ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is known to be associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts. This study evaluates whether the closing of three coal-fired power plants within the southwestern Pennsylvania region resulted in a significant decrease in PM2.5 concentration. Both PM2.5 data obtained from EPA ground stations in the study region and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites were used to investigate regional air quality from January 2011 through December 2014. The impact of the plant closings on PM2.5 concentration and AOD was evaluated using a series of generalized additive models. The model results show that monthly fuel consumption of the Elrama plant, which closed in October of 2012, and monthly fuel consumption of both the Mitchell and Hatfield's Ferry plants, which closed in October of 2013, were significant predictors of both PM2.5 concentration and AOD at EPA ground stations in the study region, after controlling for multiple meteorological factors and long-term, region-wide air quality improvements. The model's power to predict PM2.5 concentration increased from an adjusted R2 of 0.61 to 0.68 after excluding data from ground stations with higher uncertainty due to recent increases in unconventional natural gas extraction activities. After preliminary analyses of mean PM2.5 concentration and AOD showed a downward trend following each power plant shutdown, results from a series of generalized additive models confirmed that the activity of the three plants that closed, measured by monthly fuel consumption, was highly significant in predicting both AOD and PM2.5 at 12 EPA ground stations; further research on PM2.5 emissions from unconventional natural gas extraction is needed. IMPLICATIONS With many coal-fired power plants scheduled to close across the United States in the coming years, there is interest in the potential impact on regional PM2.5 concentrations. In southwestern Pennsylvania, recent coal-fired power plant closings were coupled with a boom in unconventional natural gas extraction. Natural gas is currently seen as an economically viable bridge fuel between coal and renewable energy. This study provides policymakers with more information on the potential ambient concentration changes associated with coal-fired power plant closings as the nation's energy reliance shifts toward natural gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Russell
- a Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Jessica H Belle
- a Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Yang Liu
- a Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
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137
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Whitworth KW, Marshall AK, Symanski E. Maternal residential proximity to unconventional gas development and perinatal outcomes among a diverse urban population in Texas. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28732016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180966]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess associations between unconventional natural gas development (UGD) and perinatal outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective birth cohort study among 158,894 women with a birth or fetal death from November 30, 2010-November 29, 2012 in the Barnett Shale, in North Texas. We constructed three UGD-activity metrics by calculating the inverse distance-weighted sum of active wells within three separate geographic buffers surrounding the maternal residence: ≤½, 2, or 10-miles. We excluded women if the nearest well to her residence was >20 miles. Metrics were categorized by tertiles among women with ≥1 well within the respective buffer; women with zero wells ≤10 miles (the largest buffer) served as a common referent group. We used logistic or linear regression with generalized estimating equations to assess associations between UGD-activity and preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), fetal death, or birthweight. Adjusted models of fetal death and birthweight included: maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, smoking, adequacy of prenatal care, previous poor pregnancy outcome, and infant sex. Preterm birth models included all of the above except parity; SGA models included all of the above except previous poor pregnancy outcome. RESULTS We found increased adjusted odds of preterm birth associated with UGD-activity in the highest tertiles of the ½- (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.25), 2- (1.14; 1.07, 1.22), and 10-mile (1.15; 1.08, 1.22) metrics. Increased adjusted odds of fetal death were found in the second tertile of the 2-mile metric (1.56; 1.16, 2.11) and the highest tertile of the 10-mile metric (1.34; 1.04-1.72). We found little indication of an association with SGA or term birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Our results are suggestive of an association between maternal residential proximity to UGD-activity and preterm birth and fetal death. Quantifying chemical and non-chemical stressors among residents near UGD should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amanda K Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Elliott EG, Ettinger AS, Leaderer BP, Bracken MB, Deziel NC. A systematic evaluation of chemicals in hydraulic-fracturing fluids and wastewater for reproductive and developmental toxicity. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:90-99. [PMID: 26732376 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2015.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic-fracturing fluids and wastewater from unconventional oil and natural gas development contain hundreds of substances with the potential to contaminate drinking water. Challenges to conducting well-designed human exposure and health studies include limited information about likely etiologic agents. We systematically evaluated 1021 chemicals identified in hydraulic-fracturing fluids (n=925), wastewater (n=132), or both (n=36) for potential reproductive and developmental toxicity to triage those with potential for human health impact. We searched the REPROTOX database using Chemical Abstract Service registry numbers for chemicals with available data and evaluated the evidence for adverse reproductive and developmental effects. Next, we determined which chemicals linked to reproductive or developmental toxicity had water quality standards or guidelines. Toxicity information was lacking for 781 (76%) chemicals. Of the remaining 240 substances, evidence suggested reproductive toxicity for 103 (43%), developmental toxicity for 95 (40%), and both for 41 (17%). Of these 157 chemicals, 67 had or were proposed for a federal water quality standard or guideline. Our systematic screening approach identified a list of 67 hydraulic fracturing-related candidate analytes based on known or suspected toxicity. Incorporation of data on potency, physicochemical properties, and environmental concentrations could further prioritize these substances for future drinking water exposure assessments or reproductive and developmental health studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise G Elliott
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian P Leaderer
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael B Bracken
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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139
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Konkel L. Salting the Earth: The Environmental Impact of Oil and Gas Wastewater Spills. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:A230-A235. [PMID: 27905276 PMCID: PMC5132645 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.124-a230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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140
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McKenzie LM, Allshouse WB, Burke T, Blair BD, Adgate JL. Population Size, Growth, and Environmental Justice Near Oil and Gas Wells in Colorado. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11471-11480. [PMID: 27689723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated population size and factors influencing environmental justice near oil and gas (O&G) wells. We mapped nearest O&G well to residential properties to evaluate population size, temporal relationships between housing and O&G development, and 2012 housing market value distributions in three major Colorado O&G basins. We reviewed land use, building, real estate, and state O&G regulations to evaluate distributive and participatory justice. We found that by 2012 at least 378,000 Coloradans lived within 1 mile of an active O&G well, and this population was growing at a faster rate than the overall population. In the Denver Julesburg and San Juan basins, which experienced substantial O&G development prior to 2000, we observed a larger proportion of lower value homes within 500 feet of an O&G well and that most O&G wells predated houses. In the Piceance Basin, which had not experienced substantial prior O&G development, we observed a larger proportion of high value homes within 500 feet of an O&G well and that most houses predated O&G wells. We observed economic, rural, participatory, and/or distributive injustices that could contribute to health risk vulnerabilities in populations near O&G wells. We encourage policy makers to consider measures to reduce these injustices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , 13001 East 17th Place, Campus Box B119, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , 13001 East 17th Place, Campus Box B119, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Troy Burke
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Benjamin D Blair
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , 13001 East 17th Place, Campus Box B119, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , 13001 East 17th Place, Campus Box B119, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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141
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A Casey
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholars Program UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley San Francisco, CA Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, MD Department of Medicine Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, MD Center for Health Research Geisinger Health System Danville, PA
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142
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Finkel ML. Shale gas development and cancer incidence in southwest Pennsylvania. Public Health 2016; 141:198-206. [PMID: 27932001 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To what extent does unconventional gas development lead to an increase in cancer incidence in heavily drilled Southwest Pennsylvania? STUDY DESIGN Ecological study. METHODS Data for urinary bladder, thyroid and leukaemia were abstracted from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR). Cancer incidence among counties with high, moderate and minimal number of producing wells is compared before drilling activity and thereafter. Observed vs expected cases, standardized incidence ratio and 95% confidence intervals are presented. Data are presented by county, diagnosis and sex for the years 2000-2004, 2004-2008 and 2008-2012. The percent difference between the observed cases from 2000 to 2004 and 2008-2012 was calculated. RESULTS The observed number of urinary bladder cases was higher than expected in both sexes in counties with shale gas activity. In counties with the fewest number of producing wells, the increase was essentially non-existent. The number of observed cases of thyroid cancer increased substantially among both sexes over the time period in all counties regardless of the number of wells drilled. The pattern for leukaemia was mixed among males and females and among the counties regardless of the extent of shale gas development activities. CONCLUSION Potential risk factors other than shale gas development must be taken into account to explain the higher than expected cancer cases in counties with and without shale gas wells before and during unconventional shale gas activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Finkel
- Professor of Healthcare Policy & Research and Director of the Office of Global Health Education Weill Cornell Medicine, 402 East 67th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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143
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Marrero JE, Townsend-Small A, Lyon DR, Tsai TR, Meinardi S, Blake DR. Estimating Emissions of Toxic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Production Sites in the Barnett Shale Region of Northern Texas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:10756-10764. [PMID: 27580823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Oil and natural gas operations have continued to expand and move closer to densely populated areas, contributing to growing public concerns regarding exposure to hazardous air pollutants. During the Barnett Shale Coordinated Campaign in October, 2013, ground-based whole air samples collected downwind of oil and gas sites revealed enhancements in several potentially toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when compared to background values. Molar emissions ratios relative to methane were determined for hexane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX compounds). Using methane leak rates measured from the Picarro mobile flux plane (MFP) system and a Barnett Shale regional methane emissions inventory, the rates of emission of these toxic gases were calculated. Benzene emissions ranged between 51 ± 4 and 60 ± 4 kg h-1. Hexane, the most abundantly emitted pollutant, ranged from 642 ± 45 to 1070 ± 340 kg h-1. While observed hydrocarbon enhancements fall below federal workplace standards, results may indicate a link between emissions from oil and natural gas operations and concerns about exposure to hazardous air pollutants. The larger public health risks associated with the production and distribution of natural gas are of particular importance and warrant further investigation, particularly as the use of natural gas increases in the United States and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette E Marrero
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035, United States
| | - Amy Townsend-Small
- Departments of Geology and Geography, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - David R Lyon
- Environmental Defense Fund, Austin, Texas 78701, United States
| | - Tracy R Tsai
- Picarro, Inc., Santa Clara, California 95054, United States
| | - Simone Meinardi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine , Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Donald R Blake
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine , Irvine, California 92697, United States
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Kassotis CD, Bromfield JJ, Klemp KC, Meng CX, Wolfe A, Zoeller RT, Balise VD, Isiguzo CJ, Tillitt DE, Nagel SC. Adverse Reproductive and Developmental Health Outcomes Following Prenatal Exposure to a Hydraulic Fracturing Chemical Mixture in Female C57Bl/6 Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3469-81. [PMID: 27560547 PMCID: PMC5393361 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas operations using hydraulic fracturing can contaminate surface and groundwater with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We have previously shown that 23 of 24 commonly used hydraulic fracturing chemicals can activate or inhibit the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and/or thyroid receptors in a human endometrial cancer cell reporter gene assay and that mixtures can behave synergistically, additively, or antagonistically on these receptors. In the current study, pregnant female C57Bl/6 dams were exposed to a mixture of 23 commonly used unconventional oil and gas chemicals at approximately 3, 30, 300, and 3000 μg/kg·d, flutamide at 50 mg/kg·d, or a 0.2% ethanol control vehicle via their drinking water from gestational day 11 through birth. This prenatal exposure to oil and gas operation chemicals suppressed pituitary hormone concentrations across experimental groups (prolactin, LH, FSH, and others), increased body weights, altered uterine and ovary weights, increased heart weights and collagen deposition, disrupted folliculogenesis, and other adverse health effects. This work suggests potential adverse developmental and reproductive health outcomes in humans and animals exposed to these oil and gas operation chemicals, with adverse outcomes observed even in the lowest dose group tested, equivalent to concentrations reported in drinking water sources. These endpoints suggest potential impacts on fertility, as previously observed in the male siblings, which require careful assessment in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - John J Bromfield
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Kara C Klemp
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Victoria D Balise
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chiamaka J Isiguzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
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Haley M, McCawley M, Epstein AC, Arrington B, Bjerke EF. Adequacy of Current State Setbacks for Directional High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing in the Marcellus, Barnett, and Niobrara Shale Plays. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:1323-33. [PMID: 26895553 PMCID: PMC5010420 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1510547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing awareness of the multiple potential pathways leading to human health risks from hydraulic fracturing. Setback distances are a legislative method to mitigate potential risks. OBJECTIVES We attempted to determine whether legal setback distances between well-pad sites and the public are adequate in three shale plays. METHODS We reviewed geography, current statutes and regulations, evacuations, thermal modeling, air pollution studies, and vapor cloud modeling within the Marcellus, Barnett, and Niobrara Shale Plays. DISCUSSION The evidence suggests that presently utilized setbacks may leave the public vulnerable to explosions, radiant heat, toxic gas clouds, and air pollution from hydraulic fracturing activities. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that setbacks may not be sufficient to reduce potential threats to human health in areas where hydraulic fracturing occurs. It is more likely that a combination of reasonable setbacks with controls for other sources of pollution associated with the process will be required. CITATION Haley M, McCawley M, Epstein AC, Arrington B, Bjerke EF. 2016. Adequacy of current state setbacks for directional high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus, Barnett, and Niobrara Shale Plays. Environ Health Perspect 124:1323-1333; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510547.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Haley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Address correspondence to M. Haley, Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC, 300 Halket St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA. Telephone: (412) 641-4600. E-mail:
| | - Michael McCawley
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Anne C. Epstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Ferrell Bjerke
- Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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146
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Rasmussen SG, Ogburn EL, McCormack M, Casey JA, Bandeen-Roche K, Mercer DG, Schwartz BS. Association Between Unconventional Natural Gas Development in the Marcellus Shale and Asthma Exacerbations. JAMA Intern Med 2016; 176:1334-43. [PMID: 27428612 PMCID: PMC5424822 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Asthma is common and can be exacerbated by air pollution and stress. Unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has community and environmental impacts. In Pennsylvania, UNGD began in 2005, and by 2012, 6253 wells had been drilled. There are no prior studies of UNGD and objective respiratory outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations between UNGD and asthma exacerbations. DESIGN A nested case-control study comparing patients with asthma with and without exacerbations from 2005 through 2012 treated at the Geisinger Clinic, which provides primary care services to over 400 000 patients in Pennsylvania. Patients with asthma aged 5 to 90 years (n = 35 508) were identified in electronic health records; those with exacerbations were frequency matched on age, sex, and year of event to those without. EXPOSURES On the day before each patient's index date (cases, date of event or medication order; controls, contact date), we estimated activity metrics for 4 UNGD phases (pad preparation, drilling, stimulation [hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking"], and production) using distance from the patient's home to the well, well characteristics, and the dates and durations of phases. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We identified and defined asthma exacerbations as mild (new oral corticosteroid medication order), moderate (emergency department encounter), or severe (hospitalization). RESULTS We identified 20 749 mild, 1870 moderate, and 4782 severe asthma exacerbations, and frequency matched these to 18 693, 9350, and 14 104 control index dates, respectively. In 3-level adjusted models, there was an association between the highest group of the activity metric for each UNGD phase compared with the lowest group for 11 of 12 UNGD-outcome pairs: odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.7) for the association of the pad metric with severe exacerbations to 4.4 (95% CI, 3.8-5.2) for the association of the production metric with mild exacerbations. Six of the 12 UNGD-outcome associations had increasing ORs across quartiles. Our findings were robust to increasing levels of covariate control and in sensitivity analyses that included evaluation of some possible sources of unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Residential UNGD activity metrics were statistically associated with increased risk of mild, moderate, and severe asthma exacerbations. Whether these associations are causal awaits further investigation, including more detailed exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G. Rasmussen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Ogburn
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meredith McCormack
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholars Program, UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Karen Bandeen-Roche
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dione G. Mercer
- Center for Health Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian S. Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Health Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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147
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Balise VD, Meng CX, Cornelius-Green JN, Kassotis CD, Kennedy R, Nagel SC. Systematic review of the association between oil and natural gas extraction processes and human reproduction. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:795-819. [PMID: 27568524 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review identified 45 original published research articles related to oil and gas extraction activities and human reproductive endpoints. Reproductive outcomes were categorized as [1] birth outcomes associated with maternal exposure, [2] semen quality, fertility, and birth outcomes associated with adult paternal exposure, [3] reproductive cancers, and [4] disruption of human sex steroid hormone receptors. The results indicate there is moderate evidence for an increased risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, birth defects, decreased semen quality, and prostate cancer. The quality of the evidence is low and/or inadequate for stillbirth, sex ratio, and birth outcomes associated with paternal exposure, and testicular cancer, female reproductive tract cancers, and breast cancer, and the evidence is inconsistent for an increased risk of low birth weight; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn for these health effects. There is ample evidence for disruption of the estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptors by oil and gas chemicals, which provides a mechanistic rationale for how exposure to oil and gas activities may increase the health risks we have outlined. The results from this systematic review suggest there is a negative impact on human reproduction from exposure to oil and gas activities. Many of the 45 studies reviewed identified potential human health effects. Most of these studies focused on conventional oil and gas activities. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of unconventional oil and gas operations on human health. The impact of unconventional oil and gas activities may be greater than that of conventional activity, given that unconventional activities employ many of the same approaches and use dozens of known endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hydraulic fracturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | | | - Rana Kennedy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 27400263 DOI: 10.1221/acs.est.6b02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Carey E Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Brian W Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Erin N Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:7921-9. [PMID: 27400263 PMCID: PMC5134738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Carey E. Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Brian W. Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A. Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
- Corresponding Author: 1007 Ag & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States; Phone: 541-737-8501; Fax: 541-737-0497;
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Letters. THE ULSTER MEDICAL JOURNAL 2016; 85:122-8. [PMID: 27601768 PMCID: PMC4920500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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