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Willis MD, Campbell EJ, Selbe S, Koenig MR, Gradus JL, Nillni YI, Casey JA, Deziel NC, Hatch EE, Wesselink AK, Wise LA. Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Development and Mental Health in a North American Preconception Cohort Study: 2013-2023. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:923-934. [PMID: 38991173 PMCID: PMC11306607 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate associations between oil and gas development (OGD) and mental health using cross-sectional data from a preconception cohort study, Pregnancy Study Online. Methods. We analyzed baseline data from a prospective cohort of US and Canadian women aged 21 to 45 years who were attempting conception without fertility treatment (2013-2023). We developed residential proximity measures for active OGD during preconception, including distance from nearest site. At baseline, participants completed validated scales for perceived stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale, PSS) and depressive symptoms (Major Depression Inventory, MDI) and reported psychotropic medication use. We used log-binomial regression and restricted cubic splines to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Among 5725 participants across 37 states and provinces, residence at 2 km versus 20 to 50 km of active OGD was associated with moderate to high perceived stress (PSS ≥ 20 vs < 20: PR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.18), moderate to severe depressive symptoms (MDI ≥ 20 vs < 20: PR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.45), and psychotropic medication use (PR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.28). Conclusions. Among North American pregnancy planners, closer proximity to OGD was associated with adverse preconception mental health symptomatology. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):923-934. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307730).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Erin J Campbell
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Sophie Selbe
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Martha R Koenig
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Yael I Nillni
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Joan A Casey
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Mary D. Willis, Erin J. Campbell, Sophie Selbe, Martha R. Koenig, Jaimie L. Gradus, Elizabeth Hatch, Amelia K. Wesselink, and Lauren A. Wise are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Yael I. Nillni is with the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston. Joan A. Casey is with the Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Nicole C. Deziel is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
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Day MW, Daley C, Wu Y, Pathmaraj M, Verner MA, Caron-Beaudoin É. Altered oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers concentrations in pregnant individuals exposed to oil and gas sites in Northeastern British Columbia. Toxicol Sci 2024; 201:73-84. [PMID: 38897649 PMCID: PMC11347777 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Northeastern British Columbia is a region of prolific unconventional oil and gas (UOG) activity. UOG activity can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can elevate oxidative stress and disrupt antioxidant activity in exposed pregnant individuals, potentially increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study measured biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pooled urine samples of 85 pregnant individuals living in Northeastern British Columbia, to analyze associations between indoor air VOCs, oil and gas well density and proximity metrics, and biomarker concentrations. Concentrations of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (aMT6s), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-isoprostane were measured using assay kits. Associations between exposure metrics and biomarker concentrations were determined using multiple linear regression models adjusted for biomarker-specific covariables. UOG proximity was associated with decreased SOD and 8-OHdG. Decreased 8-OHdG was associated with increased proximity to all wells. Decreased aMT6s were observed with increased indoor air hexanal concentrations. MDA was negatively associated with indoor air 1,4-dioxane concentrations. No statistically significant associations were found between other biomarkers and exposure metrics. Although some associations linked oil and gas activity to altered oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, the possibility of chance findings due to the large number of tests cannot be discounted. This study shows that living near UOG wells may alter oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pregnant individuals. More research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and to what degree UOG activity affects oxidative stress and antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Day
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Coreen Daley
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Maduomethaa Pathmaraj
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Akpo H, Doyle-Waters MM, Ronald LA, Friesen M, Takaro T, Leven K, Meyer U, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) chemical exposures: a scoping review of the toxicological literature. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 0:reveh-2024-0076. [PMID: 38985132 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Many chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) are known toxicants, leading to health concerns about the effects of UOG. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the toxicological literature to assess the effects of UOG chemical exposures in models relevant to human health. We searched databases for primary research studies published in English or French between January 2000 and June 2023 on UOG-related toxicology studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts to determine inclusion. Seventeen studies met our study inclusion criteria. Nine studies used solely in vitro models, while six conducted their investigation solely in animal models. Two studies incorporated both types of models. Most studies used real water samples impacted by UOG or lab-made mixtures of UOG chemicals to expose their models. Most in vitro models used human cells in monocultures, while all animal studies were conducted in rodents. All studies detected significant deleterious effects associated with exposure to UOG chemicals or samples, including endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, behavioral changes and metabolic alterations. Given the plausibility of causal relationships between UOG chemicals and adverse health outcomes highlighted in this review, future risk assessment studies should focus on measuring exposure to UOG chemicals in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hélène Akpo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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Shaw GM, Gonzalez DJX, Goin DE, Weber KA, Padula AM. Ambient Environment and the Epidemiology of Preterm Birth. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:361-377. [PMID: 38705646 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. We describe environmental factors that may influence PTB risks. We focus on exposures associated with an individual's ambient environment, such as air pollutants, water contaminants, extreme heat, and proximities to point sources (oil/gas development or waste sites) and greenspace. These exposures may further vary by other PTB risk factors such as social constructs and stress. Future examinations of risks associated with ambient environment exposures would benefit from consideration toward multiple exposures - the exposome - and factors that modify risk including variations associated with the structural genome, epigenome, social stressors, and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary M Shaw
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology - Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Academic Medicine (CAM), 453 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - David J X Gonzalez
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, CA 94720, USA
| | - Dana E Goin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kari A Weber
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, RAHN 6219, Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Amy M Padula
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, #103N, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Aker AM, Friesen M, Ronald LA, Doyle-Waters MM, Takaro TK, Thickson W, Levin K, Meyer U, Caron-Beaudoin E, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD): A scoping review of epidemiologic studies. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:446-467. [PMID: 38457120 PMCID: PMC11133301 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD, sometimes termed "fracking" or "hydraulic fracturing") is an industrial process to extract methane gas and/or oil deposits. Many chemicals used in UOGD have known adverse human health effects. Canada is a major producer of UOGD-derived gas with wells frequently located in and around rural and Indigenous communities. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to identify the extent of research evidence assessing UOGD exposure-related health impacts, with an additional focus on Canadian studies. METHODS We included English- or French-language peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies (January 2000-December 2022) which measured exposure to UOGD chemicals directly or by proxy, and where health outcomes were plausibly caused by UOGD-related chemical exposure. Results synthesis was descriptive with results ordered by outcome and hierarchy of methodological approach. SYNTHESIS We identified 52 studies from nine jurisdictions. Only two were set in Canada. A majority (n = 27) used retrospective cohort and case-control designs. Almost half (n = 24) focused on birth outcomes, with a majority (n = 22) reporting one or more significant adverse associations of UOGD exposure with: low birthweight; small for gestational age; preterm birth; and one or more birth defects. Other studies identified adverse impacts including asthma (n = 7), respiratory (n = 13), cardiovascular (n = 6), childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 2), and all-cause mortality (n = 4). CONCLUSION There is a growing body of research, across different jurisdictions, reporting associations of UOGD with adverse health outcomes. Despite the rapid growth of UOGD, which is often located in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities, Canadian research on its effects on human health is remarkably sparse. There is a pressing need for additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M Aker
- Université Laval, CHU de Quebec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Willow Thickson
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen Levin
- Emerald Environmental Consulting, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Subramanian A, Daley C, Lakshmanan S, Whitworth KW. Estimation of exposure to particulate matter in pregnant individuals living in an area of unconventional oil and gas operations: Findings from the EXPERIVA study. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:383-396. [PMID: 37154018 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2208594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) is an area of oil and gas exploitation, which may result in release of fine (PM2.5) and inhalable (PM10) particulate matter. The aims of this study were to: 1) apply extrapolation methods to estimate exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations among EXPERIVA (Exposures in the Peace River Valley study) participants using air quality data archives; and 2) conduct exploratory analyses to investigate correlation between PM exposure and metrics of oil and gas wells density, proximity, and activity. Gestational exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 of the EXPERIVA participants (n = 85) was estimated by averaging the concentrations measured at the closest or three closest air monitoring stations during the pregnancy period. Drilling metrics were calculated based upon the density and proximity of conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells to each participant's residence. Phase-specific metrics were determined for unconventional wells. The correlations (ρ) between exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and metrics of well density/proximity were determined using Spearman's rank correlation test. Estimated PM ambient air concentrations ranged between 4.73 to 12.13 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 7.14 to 26.61 µg/m3 for PM10. Conventional wells metrics were more strongly correlated with PM10 estimations (ρ between 0.28 and 0.79). Unconventional wells metrics for all phases were positively correlated with PM2.5 estimations (ρ between 0.23 and 0.55). These results provide evidence of a correlation between density and proximity of oil and gas wells and estimated PM exposure in the EXPERIVA participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amrita Subramanian
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Coreen Daley
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siddharthan Lakshmanan
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Han J, Zhang B, Zhang X, Huang K, Fang V, Xu X. Associations between occurrence of birth defects and hydraulic fracturing activities in Barnett shale region, Texas. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15213. [PMID: 37089285 PMCID: PMC10114229 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of hydraulic fracturing (HF) on birth defects have been suggested by previous studies but remain largely inconclusive. In this study, we assessed whether pregnant women who lived in areas with high HF activities had increased risks of giving birth to offspring with overall or specific birth defects, including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), microcephaly (MIC), and hydrocephaly without spina bifida (HSB). All live births between 1999 and 2014 among the residents in the four core counties of Denton, Johnson, Tarrant, and Wise in the Barnett Shale region, Texas, were analyzed. Standardized Morbidity Ratio (SMR) and Poisson regressions were applied for statistical analysis. Compared to the statewide risk, the risks of ASD, VSD, and PDA in four selected counties with high HF activities were significantly higher. The Annual Natural Gas Production from HF was significantly correlated with risks of ASD, PDA, MIC, and total birth defect after adjusting for counties and years. No significant associations of HF activities were found with VSD and HSB. This ecological study suggested that hydraulic fracturing might be associated with the increased risk of some birth defects in the Barnett Shale Region, TX, which warrants further investigations due to the limitation of an ecological study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- JeongWon Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Bangning Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Texas A&M University, USA
| | - Vixey Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics¸ School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 225 SPH Administration Building | MS 1266 212 Adriance Lab Road College Station, Texas 77843-1266, USA.
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Willis MD, Cushing LJ, Buonocore JJ, Deziel NC, Casey JA. It's electric! An environmental equity perspective on the lifecycle of our energy sources. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e246. [PMID: 37064423 PMCID: PMC10097546 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy policy decisions are driven primarily by economic and reliability considerations, with limited consideration given to public health, environmental justice, and climate change. Moreover, epidemiologic studies relevant for public policy typically focus on immediate public health implications of activities related to energy procurement and generation, considering less so health equity or the longer-term health consequences of climate change attributable to an energy source. A more integrated, collective consideration of these three domains can provide more robust guidance to policymakers, communities, and individuals. Here, we illustrate how these domains can be evaluated with respect to natural gas as an energy source. Our process began with a detailed overview of all relevant steps in the process of extracting, producing, and consuming natural gas. We synthesized existing epidemiologic and complementary evidence of how these processes impact public health, environmental justice, and climate change. We conclude that, in certain domains, natural gas looks beneficial (e.g., economically for some), but when considered more expansively, through the life cycle of natural gas and joint lenses of public health, environmental justice, and climate change, natural gas is rendered an undesirable energy source in the United States. A holistic climate health equity framework can inform how we value and deploy different energy sources in the service of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Lara J. Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan J. Buonocore
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington
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Gorski-Steiner I, Bandeen-Roche K, Volk HE, O'Dell S, Schwartz BS. The association of unconventional natural gas development with diagnosis and treatment of internalizing disorders among adolescents in Pennsylvania using electronic health records. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113167. [PMID: 35341757 PMCID: PMC9233008 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) introduces physical and psychosocial hazards into communities, which could contribute to psychosocial stress in adolescents and an increased risk of internalizing disorders, common and impactful health outcomes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between a 180-day composite UNGD activity metric and new onset of internalizing disorders, overall and separately for anxiety and depressive disorders, and effect modification by sex. METHODS We used a nested case-control design from 2008 to 2016 in 38 Pennsylvania counties using electronic health records from adolescent Geisinger subjects. Cases were defined by at least two diagnoses or medication orders indicating new onset of an internalizing disorder, and controls frequency-matched 4:1 on age, sex, and year. To evaluate associations, we used generalized estimating equations, with logit link, robust standard errors, and an exchangeable correlation structure within community. RESULTS We identified 7,974 adolescents (65.9% female, mean age 15.0 years) with new onset internalizing disorders. There were no associations when we used data from the entire study period. When restricted to years with higher UNGD activity (2010-2016), comparing the highest to lowest quartile, UNGD activity was associated (odds ratio [95% confidence level]) with new onset internalizing disorders (1.15 [1.06, 1.25]). Associations were slightly stronger for depressive disorders. Associations were only present in females (p = 0.009). DISCUSSION This is the first epidemiologic study of UNGD in relation to adolescent mental health, an important health outcome in a potentially susceptible group to the environmental and community impacts of UNGD. UNGD activity was associated with new onset internalizing disorders in females in this large sample in an area of active UNGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Gorski-Steiner
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Karen Bandeen-Roche
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sean O'Dell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Deziel NC, Clark CJ, Casey JA, Bell ML, Plata DL, Saiers JE. Assessing Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: Strengths, Challenges, and Implications for Epidemiologic Research. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:436-450. [PMID: 35522388 PMCID: PMC9363472 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiologic studies have observed elevated health risks in populations living near unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD). In this narrative review, we discuss strengths and limitations of UOG exposure assessment approaches used in or available for epidemiologic studies, emphasizing studies of children's health outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Exposure assessment challenges include (1) numerous potential stressors with distinct spatiotemporal patterns, (2) critical exposure windows that cover long periods and occur in the past, and (3) limited existing monitoring data coupled with the resource-intensiveness of collecting new exposure measurements to capture spatiotemporal variation. All epidemiologic studies used proximity-based models for exposure assessment as opposed to surveys, biomonitoring, or environmental measurements. Nearly all studies used aggregate (rather than pathway-specific) models, which are useful surrogates for the complex mix of potential hazards. Simple and less-specific exposure assessment approaches have benefits in terms of scalability, interpretability, and relevance to specific policy initiatives such as set-back distances. More detailed and specific models and metrics, including dispersion methods and stressor-specific models, could reduce exposure misclassification, illuminate underlying exposure pathways, and inform emission control and exposure mitigation strategies. While less practical in a large population, collection of multi-media environmental and biological exposure measurements would be feasible in cohort subsets. Such assessments are well-suited to provide insights into the presence and magnitude of exposures to UOG-related stressors in relation to spatial surrogates and to better elucidate the plausibility of observed effects in both children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 630 West 168th Street, Room 16-416, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Michelle L. Bell
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Desiree L. Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - James E. Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
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11
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Cairncross ZF, Couloigner I, Ryan MC, McMorris C, Muehlenbachs L, Nikolaou N, Wong RCK, Hawkins SM, Bertazzon S, Cabaj J, Metcalfe A. Association Between Residential Proximity to Hydraulic Fracturing Sites and Adverse Birth Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:585-592. [PMID: 35377398 PMCID: PMC8981068 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between hydraulic fracturing and human development is not well understood. Several studies have identified significant associations between unconventional natural gas development and adverse birth outcomes; however, geology and legislation vary between regions. OBJECTIVE To examine the overall association between residential proximity to hydraulic fracturing sites and adverse birth outcomes, and investigate whether well density influenced this association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals in rural Alberta, Canada, took place from 2013 to 2018. Participants included reproductive-aged individuals (18-50 years) who had a pregnancy from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, and lived in rural areas. Individuals were excluded if they lived in an urban setting, were outside of the age range, or were missing data on infant sex, postal code, or area-level socioeconomic status. EXPOSURES Oil and gas wells that underwent hydraulic fracturing between 2013 to 2018 were identified through the Alberta Energy Regulator (n = 4871). Individuals were considered exposed if their postal delivery point was located within 10 km of 1 or more wells that was hydraulically fractured during 1 year preconception or during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes investigated were spontaneous and indicated preterm birth, small for gestational age, major congenital anomalies, and severe neonatal morbidity or mortality. RESULTS After exclusions, the sample included 26 193 individuals with 34 873 unique pregnancies, and a mean (SD) parental age of 28.2 (5.2) years. Small for gestational age and major congenital anomalies were significantly higher for individuals who lived within 10 km of at least 1 hydraulically fractured well after adjusting for parental age at delivery, multiple births, fetal sex, obstetric comorbidities, and area-level socioeconomic status. Risk of spontaneous preterm birth and small for gestational age were significantly increased in those with 100 or more wells within 10 km. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results suggest that individuals who were exposed to hydraulic fracturing within pregnancy may be at higher risk of several adverse birth outcomes. These results may be relevant to health policy regarding legislation of unconventional oil and gas development in Canada and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe F. Cairncross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isabelle Couloigner
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Nickie Nikolaou
- Faculty of Law, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ron Chik-Kwong Wong
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stefania Bertazzon
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason Cabaj
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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12
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Proximity and density of unconventional natural gas wells and mental illness and substance use among pregnant individuals: An exploratory study in Canada. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113962. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Plante I, Winn LM, Vaillancourt C, Grigorova P, Parent L. Killing two birds with one stone: Pregnancy is a sensitive window for endocrine effects on both the mother and the fetus. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112435. [PMID: 34843719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex process requiring tremendous physiological changes in the mother in order to fulfill the needs of the growing fetus, and to give birth, expel the placenta and nurse the newborn. These physiological modifications are accompanied with psychological changes, as well as with variations in habits and behaviors. As a result, this period of life is considered as a sensitive window as impaired functional and physiological changes in the mother can have short- and long-term impacts on her health. In addition, dysregulation of the placenta and of mechanisms governing placentation have been linked to chronic diseases later-on in life for the fetus, in a concept known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). This concept stipulates that any change in the environment during the pre-conception and perinatal (in utero life and neonatal) period to puberty, can be "imprinted" in the organism, thereby impacting the health and risk of chronic diseases later in life. Pregnancy is a succession of events that is regulated, in large part, by hormones and growth factors. Therefore, small changes in hormonal balance can have important effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) affect both the mother and the fetus giving rise to growing concerns surrounding these exposures. This review will give an overview of changes that happen during pregnancy with respect to the mother, the placenta, and the fetus, and of the current literature regarding the effects of EDCs during this specific sensitive window of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plante
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, School of Environmental Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Petya Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
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14
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Residential proximity to hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells and adverse birth outcomes in urban and rural communities in California (2006-2015). Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e172. [PMID: 34909552 PMCID: PMC8663888 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Prenatal exposure to hydraulic fracturing (HF), a chemically intensive oil and gas extraction method, may be associated with adverse birth outcomes, but no health studies have been conducted in California. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 979,961 births to mothers in eight California counties with HF between 2006 and 2015. Exposed individuals had at least 1 well hydraulically fractured within 1 km of their residence during pregnancy; the reference population had no wells within 1 km, but at least one oil/gas well within 10 km. We examined associations between HF and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age birth (SGA), and term birth weight (tBW) using generalized estimating equations and assessing urban-rural effect modification in stratified models. Results: Fewer than 1% of mothers (N = 1,192) were exposed to HF during pregnancy. Among rural mothers, HF exposure was associated with increased odds of LBW (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 2.75), SGA (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.42, 2.27) and PTB (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 0.64, 2.12), and lower tBW (mean difference: –73 g; 95% CI = –131, –15). Among urban mothers, HF exposure was positively associated with SGA (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.55), inversely associated with LBW (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.63, 1.07) and PTB (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.87), and not associated with tBW (mean difference: –2 g; 95% CI = –35, 31). Conclusion: HF proximity was associated with adverse birth outcomes, particularly among rural Californians.
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15
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Erickson CL, Barron IG, Zapata I. The effects of hydraulic fracturing activities on birth outcomes are evident in a non-individualized county-wide aggregate data sample from Colorado. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619860 PMCID: PMC8859723 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is growing concern about the recent increase in oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing. Studies linking adverse birth outcomes and maternal proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells exist but tend to use individualized maternal and infant data contained in protected health care records. In this study, we extended the findings of these past studies to evaluate if analogous effects detected with individualized data could be detected from non-individualized county-wide aggregated data. Design and methods: This study used a retrospective cohort of 252,502 birth records from 1999 to 2019 gathered from a subset sample of 5 counties in the state of Colorado where hydraulic fracturing activities were conducted. We used Generalized Linear Models to evaluate the effect of county-wide well density and production data over unidentified birth weight, and prematurity data. Covariates used in the model were county-wide statistics sourced from the US Census. Results: Our modeling approach showed an interesting effect where hydraulic fracturing exposure metrics have a mixed effect directional response. This effect was detected on birth weight when well density, production and their interaction are accounted for. The interaction effect provides an additional interpretation to discrepancies reported previously in the literature. Our approach only detected a positive association to prematurity with increased production. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate two main points: First, the effect of hydraulic fracturing is detectable by using countywide unidentified data. Second, the effect of hydraulic fracturing can be complicated by the number of operations and the intensity of the activities in the area. Significance for public health The proliferation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production has led to an increase in interest in the public health impact of this industry. Research in this field can be complicated due to data accessibility and concerns of privacy violations. In this study we focus on the assessment of maternal health outcomes while considering data privacy. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the potential of using non-individualized, county-wide data to detect the effects of hydraulic fracturing activities on birth outcomes. This goal was achieved by using county-wide exposure metrics of hydraulic fracturing well density and production and by adjusting to known demographic covariates sourced from Census data. Our study provides and alternate approach to evaluate health effects of hydraulic fracturing activities and provides additional evidence highlighting the complicated effects associations that should be considered in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ileana G Barron
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL .
| | - Isain Zapata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO.
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16
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Bikomeye JC, Namin S, Anyanwu C, Rublee CS, Ferschinger J, Leinbach K, Lindquist P, Hoppe A, Hoffman L, Hegarty J, Sperber D, Beyer KMM. Resilience and Equity in a Time of Crises: Investing in Public Urban Greenspace Is Now More Essential Than Ever in the US and Beyond. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8420. [PMID: 34444169 PMCID: PMC8392137 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The intersecting negative effects of structural racism, COVID-19, climate change, and chronic diseases disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities in the US and around the world. Urban populations of color are concentrated in historically redlined, segregated, disinvested, and marginalized neighborhoods with inadequate quality housing and limited access to resources, including quality greenspaces designed to support natural ecosystems and healthy outdoor activities while mitigating urban environmental challenges such as air pollution, heat island effects, combined sewer overflows and poor water quality. Disinvested urban environments thus contribute to health inequity via physical and social environmental exposures, resulting in disparities across numerous health outcomes, including COVID-19 and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this paper, we build off an existing conceptual framework and propose another conceptual framework for the role of greenspace in contributing to resilience and health equity in the US and beyond. We argue that strategic investments in public greenspaces in urban neighborhoods impacted by long term economic disinvestment are critically needed to adapt and build resilience in communities of color, with urgency due to immediate health threats of climate change, COVID-19, and endemic disparities in chronic diseases. We suggest that equity-focused investments in public urban greenspaces are needed to reduce social inequalities, expand economic opportunities with diversity in workforce initiatives, build resilient urban ecosystems, and improve health equity. We recommend key strategies and considerations to guide this investment, drawing upon a robust compilation of scientific literature along with decades of community-based work, using strategic partnerships from multiple efforts in Milwaukee Wisconsin as examples of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C. Bikomeye
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (J.C.B.); (S.N.); (C.A.)
| | - Sima Namin
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (J.C.B.); (S.N.); (C.A.)
| | - Chima Anyanwu
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (J.C.B.); (S.N.); (C.A.)
| | - Caitlin S. Rublee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Jamie Ferschinger
- Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Environmental Health & Community Wellness, 1337 S Cesar Chavez Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA;
| | - Ken Leinbach
- The Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA;
| | - Patricia Lindquist
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, 101 S. Webster Street, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, USA;
| | - August Hoppe
- The Urban Wood Lab, Hoppe Tree Service, 1813 S. 73rd Street, West Allis, WI 53214, USA;
| | - Lawrence Hoffman
- Department of GIS, Groundwork Milwaukee, 227 West Pleasant Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA;
| | - Justin Hegarty
- Reflo—Sustainable Water Solutions, 1100 S 5th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA;
| | - Dwayne Sperber
- Wudeward Urban Forest Products, N11W31868 Phyllis Parkway, Delafield, WI 53018, USA;
| | - Kirsten M. M. Beyer
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (J.C.B.); (S.N.); (C.A.)
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17
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Willis MD, Hill EL, Boslett A, Kile ML, Carozza SE, Hystad P. Associations between Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Drilling and Term Birth Weight and Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants in Texas: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77002. [PMID: 34287013 PMCID: PMC8293911 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and natural gas extraction may produce environmental pollution at levels that affect reproductive health of nearby populations. Available studies have primarily focused on unconventional gas drilling and have not accounted for local population changes that can coincide with drilling activity. OBJECTIVE Our study sought to examine associations between residential proximity to oil and gas drilling and adverse term birth outcomes using a difference-in-differences study design. METHODS We created a retrospective population-based term birth cohort in Texas between 1996 and 2009 composed of mother-infant dyads (n=2,598,025) living <10km from an oil or gas site. We implemented a difference-in-differences approach to estimate associations between drilling activities and infant health: term birth weight and term small for gestational age (SGA). Using linear and logistic regression, we modeled interactions between births before (unexposed) or during (exposed) drilling activity and residential proximity near (0-1, 1-2, or 2-3km) or far (3-10km) from an active or future drilling site, adjusting for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics. RESULTS The adjusted mean difference in term birth weight for mothers living 0-1 vs. 3-10km from a current or future drilling site was -7.3g [95% confidence interval (CI): -11.6, -3.0] for births during active vs. future drilling. The corresponding adjusted odds ratio for SGA was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.06). Negative associations with term birth weight were observed for the 1-2 and 2-3km near groups, and no consistent differences were identified by type of drilling activity. Larger, though imprecise, adverse associations were found for infants born to Hispanic women, women with the lowest educational attainment, and women living in cities. CONCLUSIONS Residing near oil and gas drilling sites during pregnancy was associated with a small reduction in term birth weight but not SGA, with some evidence of environmental injustices. Additional work is needed to investigate specific drilling-related exposures that might explain these associations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elaine L Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Boslett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Rochester Data Science Consortium, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Susan E Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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18
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Willis M, Hystad P, Denham A, Hill E. Natural gas development, flaring practices and paediatric asthma hospitalizations in Texas. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 49:1883-1896. [PMID: 32879945 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advancements in drilling technology led to a rapid increase in natural gas development (NGD). Air pollution may be elevated in these areas and may vary by drilling type (conventional and unconventional), production volume and gas flaring. Impacts of NGD on paediatric asthma are largely unknown. This study quantifies associations between specific NGD activities and paediatric asthma hospitalizations in Texas. METHODS We leveraged a database of Texas inpatient hospitalizations between 2000 and 2010 at the zip code level by quarter to examine associations between NGD and paediatric asthma hospitalizations, where our primary outcome is 0 vs ≥1 hospitalization. We used quarterly production reports to assess additional drilling-specific exposures at the zip code-level including drilling type, production and gas flaring. We developed logistic regression models to assess paediatric asthma hospitalizations by zip code-quarter-year observations, thus capturing spatiotemporal exposure patterns. RESULTS We observed increased odds of ≥1 paediatric asthma hospitalization in a zip code per quarter associated with increasing tertiles of NGD exposure and show that spatiotemporal variation impacts results. Conventional drilling, compared with no drilling, is associated with odds ratios up to 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 1.34], whereas unconventional drilling is associated with odds ratios up to 1.59 (95% CI: 1.46, 1.73). Increasing production volumes are associated with increased paediatric asthma hospitalizations in an exposure-response relationship, whereas associations with flaring volumes are inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of associations between paediatric asthma hospitalizations and NGD, regardless of drilling type. Practices related to production volume may be driving these positive associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Willis
- School of Biological & Population Health, College of Public Health & Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological & Population Health, College of Public Health & Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Alina Denham
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Hill
- School of Biological & Population Health, College of Public Health & Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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19
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Landrigan PJ, Bernstein A. Commentary: Epidemiology, economics and the path to clean energy. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 49:1896-1898. [PMID: 33349840 PMCID: PMC7825938 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Landrigan
- Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Eleke C, Ngbala-Okpabi SO, Ogaji D, Agu IS, Bempong-Eleke EN. Effects of Environmental Crude Oil Pollution on Newborn Birth Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Nurs Res 2021; 29:e161. [PMID: 34049324 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization encourages countries to improve birth outcomes to reduce rates of neonatal mortality and morbidity. PURPOSE This study was designed to examine the effect of environmental crude oil pollution on newborn birth outcomes in Rivers State, Nigeria. METHODS A retrospective cohort design was used to examine the effects of exposure to oil pollution on birth outcomes using facility-based records. K-Dere (an oil-polluted community) served as the exposure group, whereas birth records from Iriebe served as the comparison group. A sample size of 338 systematically selected birth records was examined (169 records for each arm of the study). A data extraction sheet was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < .05. RESULTS The risk of preterm birth was significantly higher in the exposed group (16% vs. 7.7%, relative risk = 2.08, 95% CI [1.11, 3.89], p = .018). At 6 weeks after birth, newborns in the exposed group weighed significantly less (4.64 ± 0.82 vs. 4.85 ± 0.92 kg, p = .032) and reported significantly higher incidence of morbidity compared with the newborns in the comparison group (relative risk = 3.03, 95% CI [2.20, 4.19], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The oil-polluted area examined in this study was found to have a higher risk of preterm birth, a slower rate of newborn growth, and a higher rate of newborn morbidity than the non-oil-polluted area at 6 weeks after birth. Stakeholders should sustain efforts to remediate the environment in polluted regions and prevent oil pollution. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of the observed toxicological effects and the targeted protection of vulnerable groups in oil-polluted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinemerem Eleke
- MSN, RM, RN, Lecturer, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Sabinah Obele Ngbala-Okpabi
- MSN, RM, RN, Researcher, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicology Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Daprim Ogaji
- PhD, MBBS, Centre Leader and Research Coordinator, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicology Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Ifeyinwa S Agu
- MSN, RM, RN, Lecturer, Department of Nursing Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
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21
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Murphy MK, Soyer M, Ziyanak S, Godfrey T. "That's Where Our Income Comes From": Women's Perceptions of Links Between Reproductive Struggles and Hydraulic Fracturing. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:623222. [PMID: 34055962 PMCID: PMC8155492 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.623222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive hardship is highly stigmatized, which leads to such struggles being relegated to the private sphere. At the same time, numerous studies show links between toxic chemicals and reproductive hardship including miscarriage, infertility, and birth defects. There thus exists a disconnection between structural contributors to reproductive challenges and the fact that such hardship is frequently viewed as a personal problem. Considering this tension, this qualitative study sought to examine how women who had both experienced reproductive difficulty and lived proximal to hydraulic fracturing operations made sense of their experiences. Analysis revealed that participants emphasized hydraulic fracturing as economically essential at the same time that they tended to minimize fracking as a potential contributor to reproductive hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie K. Murphy
- Department of Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Mehmet Soyer
- Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Sebahattin Ziyanak
- Department of Social Sciences, The University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, United States
| | - Taya Godfrey
- Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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22
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Whitworth KW, Bosson-Rieutort D, Wendling G, Liu S, Verner MA. Density and proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells and birth outcomes in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:53-61. [PMID: 32651474 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-0245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing, a method used in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) to extract natural gas, can release contaminants with potential deleterious health effects on fetal development. To date, the association between hydraulic fracturing activity and birth outcomes has not been evaluated in this region. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between the hydraulic fracturing well density/proximity and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)). METHODS We used birth records from the Fort St John hospital between December 30, 2006 and December 29, 2016 (n = 6333 births). To estimate gestational exposure, we used inverse distance weighting (IDW) to calculate the density/proximity of hydraulic fracturing wells to pregnant women's postal code centroid. For each birth, we calculated three IDWs using 2.5, 5, and 10 km buffer zones around women's postal code centroid. We used linear and logistic regressions to evaluate associations between quartiles of postal code well density/proximity and birth outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS No associations were found between postal code well density/proximity and head circumference or SGA. A negative association was found between postal code well density/proximity and birthweight for infants born to women in the 2nd quartile of the 10 km buffer (β [95% confidence interval (CI)]: -47.28 g [-84.30; -10.25]), and in the 2nd (β [95% CI]: -40.87 g [-78.01; -3.73]) and 3rd (β [95% CI]: -42.01 g [-79.15; -4.87]) quartiles of the 5 km buffer. Increased odds of preterm birth were observed among women in the 2nd quartile of the 2.5 km buffer (odds ratio (OR) [95% CI]: 1.60 [1.30; 2.43]). CONCLUSIONS This is the first epidemiological study in Northeastern British Columbia evaluating associations between hydraulic fracturing and health outcomes. Our results show inconsistent patterns of association between hydraulic fracturing, preterm birth and reduced birthweight, and effect estimates did not match expected dose-response relationships.
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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, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Avenue, Research Pavilion, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Population Sciences Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation (DGEPS), School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, H3N 1×9, Montreal, QC, Canada
- National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESS), Information Management Team, 202 Avenue Union, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Wendling
- GW Solutions, Inc., 201-5180 Dublin Way, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Suyang Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - 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, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
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23
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Elser H, Goldman-Mellor S, Morello-Frosch R, Deziel NC, Ranjbar K, Casey JA. Petro-riskscapes and environmental distress in West Texas: Community perceptions of environmental degradation, threats, and loss. ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE 2020; 70:101798. [PMID: 33072520 PMCID: PMC7566653 DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) expanded rapidly in the United States between 2004-2019 with resultant industrial change to landscapes and new environmental exposures. By 2019, West Texas' Permian Basin accounted for 35% of domestic oil production. We conducted an online survey of 566 Texans in 2019 to examine the implications of UOGD using three measures from the Environmental Distress Scale (EDS): perceived threat of environmental issues, felt impact of environmental change, and loss of solace when valued environments are transformed ("solastalgia"). We found increased levels of environmental distress among respondents living in counties in the Permian Basin who reported a 2.75% increase in perceived threat of environmental issues (95% CI = -1.14, 6.65) and a 4.21% increase in solastalgia (95% CI = 0.03, 8.40). In our subgroup analysis of women, we found higher EDS subscale scores among respondents in Permian Basin counties for perceived threat of environmental issues (4.08%, 95% CI= -0.12, 8.37) and solastalgia (7.09%, 95% CI= 2.44, 11.88). In analysis restricted to Permian Basin counties, we found exposure to at least one earthquake of magnitude ≥ 3 was associated with increases in perceived threat of environmental issues (4.69%, 95% CI = 0.15, 9.23), and that county-level exposure to oil and gas injection wells was associated with increases in felt impact (4.38%, 95% CI = -1.77, 10.54) and solastalgia (4.06%, 95% CI = 3.02, 11.14). Our results indicate increased environmental distress in response to UOGD-related environmental degradation among Texans and highlight the importance of considering susceptible sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Elser
- Stanford Medical School, Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences
| | | | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environment, Science, Policy and Management & School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Kelsey Ranjbar
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Joan A Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, Rm 1206, New York NY 10032-3727
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24
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Shepard M, Betz M, Snyder A. The Shale Boom and Family Structure: Oil and Gas Employment Growth's Relationship to Marriage, Divorce, and Cohabitation. RURAL SOCIOLOGY 2020; 85:623-657. [PMID: 35034988 PMCID: PMC8758053 DOI: 10.1111/ruso.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shale oil and gas extraction technology has caused a large shift in the United States energy landscape over the last decade. This has had a wide range of impacts on the mostly rural communities in which oil and gas extraction occurs. While many studies have focused on the economic and environmental impact of shale development, researchers have only begun to study the social changes brought on by shale resource extraction. We examine the influence of shale oil and gas employment as a share of overall county employment on county marriage, divorce, and cohabitation rates. We find evidence that oil and gas employment growth is associated with decreased marriage rates and increased divorce rates from 2009-2014. We test several channels through which oil and gas development may influence marriage behaviors and find that changes in female labor force participation, county sex ratios, and median household incomes are associated with oil and gas development. We also test for differences across the rural/urban continuum and find that our results are driven largely by nonmetro counties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Betz
- The Ohio State University, Department of Human Sciences
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25
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Mullen KR, Rivera BN, Tidwell LG, Ivanek R, Anderson KA, Ainsworth DM. Environmental surveillance and adverse neonatal health outcomes in foals born near unconventional natural gas development activity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 731:138497. [PMID: 32434096 PMCID: PMC7430053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies of neonatal health risks of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) have not included comprehensive assessments of environmental chemical exposures. We investigated a clustering of dysphagic cases in neonatal foals born between 2014 and 2016 in an area of active UNGD in Pennsylvania (PA),USA. We evaluated equine biological data and environmental exposures on the affected PA farm and an unaffected New York (NY) farm owned by the same proprietor. Dams either spent their entire gestation on one farm or moved to the other farm in late gestation. Over the 21-month study period, physical examinations and blood/tissue samples were obtained from mares and foals on each farm. Grab samples of water, pasture soil and feed were collected; continuous passive sampling of air and water for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was performed. Dysphagia was evaluated as a binary variable; logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. Sixty-five foals were born, 17 (all from PA farm) were dysphagic. Odds of dysphagia increased with the dam residing on the PA farm for each additional month of gestation (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7, p = 6.0E-04). Males were more likely to be born dysphagic (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.2, 24.5, p = 0.03) than females. Prior to installation of a water filtration/treatment system, PA water concentrations of 3,6-dimethylphenanthrene (p = 6.0E-03), fluoranthene (p = 0.03), pyrene (p = 0.02) and triphenylene (p = 0.01) exceeded those in NY water. Compared to NY farm water, no concentrations of PAHs were higher in PA following installation of the water filtration/treatment system. We provide evidence of an uncommon adverse health outcome (dysphagia) in foals born near UNGD that was eliminated in subsequent years (2017-2019) following environmental management changes. Notably, this study demonstrates that domestic large animals such as horses can serve as important sentinels for human health risks associated with UNGD activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Mullen
- Littleton Equine Medical Center, 8025 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO 80120, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Tower Rd., College of Veterinary Medicine-Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Brianna N Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Agricultural Life Sciences, Room 1007, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Agricultural Life Sciences, Room 1007, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Renata Ivanek
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Tower Rd., College of Veterinary Medicine-Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Agricultural Life Sciences, Room 1007, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Dorothy M Ainsworth
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tower Rd., College of Veterinary Medicine-Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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26
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Gonzalez DJX, Sherris AR, Yang W, Stevenson DK, Padula AM, Baiocchi M, Burke M, Cullen MR, Shaw GM. Oil and gas production and spontaneous preterm birth in the San Joaquin Valley, CA: A case-control study. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4:e099. [PMID: 32832838 PMCID: PMC7423522 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies report an association between preterm birth and exposure to unconventional oil and gas wells. There has been limited previous study on exposure to conventional wells, which are common in California. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to well sites was associated with increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth (delivery at <37 weeks). METHODS We conducted a case-control study using data on 27,913 preterm birth cases and 197,461 term birth controls. All births were without maternal comorbidities and were located in the San Joaquin Valley, CA, between 1998 and 2011. We obtained data for 83,559 wells in preproduction or production during the study period. We assessed exposure using inverse distance-squared weighting and, for each birth and trimester, we assigned an exposure tertile. Using logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between exposure to well sites and preterm birth at 20-27, 28-31, and 32-36 weeks. RESULTS We observed increased ORs for preterm birth with high exposure to wells in the first and second trimesters for births delivered at ≤31 weeks (adjusted ORs, 1.08-1.14). In stratified analyses, the associations were confined to births to Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women and to women with ≤12 years of educational attainment. In a secondary analysis, we found evidence that exposure to wells in preproduction is associated with higher concentrations of particulate matter. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that exposure to oil and gas well sites is associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J X Gonzalez
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Allison R Sherris
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Amy M Padula
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Marshall Burke
- Department of Earth System Science, School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mark R Cullen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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27
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Cushing LJ, Vavra-Musser K, Chau K, Franklin M, Johnston JE. Flaring from Unconventional Oil and Gas Development and Birth Outcomes in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:77003. [PMID: 32673511 PMCID: PMC7362742 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest exposure to oil and gas development (OGD) adversely affects birth outcomes, but no studies have examined flaring-the open combustion of natural gas-from OGD. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether residential proximity to flaring from OGD was associated with shorter gestation and reduced fetal growth in the Eagle Ford Shale of south Texas. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative birth records from 2012 to 2015 (N=23,487) and satellite observations of flaring activity during pregnancy within 5km of maternal residence. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to estimate associations between four outcomes (preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, continuous gestational age, and term birthweight) and exposure to a low (1-9) or high (≥10) number of nightly flare events, as compared with no exposure, while controlling for known maternal risk factors. We also examined associations with the number of oil and gas wells within 5km using data from DrillingInfo (now Enverus). RESULTS Exposure to a high number of nightly flare events was associated with a 50% higher odds of preterm birth [odds ratio (OR)=1.50 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.83)] and shorter gestation [mean difference=-1.9 (95% CI: -2.8, -0.9) d] compared with no exposure. Effect estimates were slightly reduced after adjustment for the number of wells within 5km. In stratified models these associations were present only among Hispanic women. Flaring and fetal growth outcomes were not significantly associated. Women exposed to a high number of wells (fourth quartile, ≥27) vs. no wells within 5km had a higher odds of preterm birth [OR=1.31 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.49)], shorter gestation [-1.3 (95% CI: -1.9, -0.8) d], and lower average birthweight [-19.4 (95% CI: -36.7, -2.0) g]. DISCUSSION Our study suggests exposure to flaring from OGD is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Our findings need to be confirmed in other populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6394.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kate Vavra-Musser
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Khang Chau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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28
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Tran KV, Casey JA, Cushing LJ, Morello-Frosch R. Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Development and Birth Outcomes in California: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 2006-2015 Births. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:67001. [PMID: 32490702 PMCID: PMC7268907 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest associations between oil and gas development (OGD) and adverse birth outcomes, but few epidemiological studies of oil wells or inactive wells exist, and none in California. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between residential proximity to OGD and birth outcomes in California. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,918,089 births to mothers living within 10 km of at least one production well between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. We estimated exposure during pregnancy to inactive wells count (no inactive wells, 1 well, 2-5 wells, 6+ wells) and production volume from active wells in barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) (no BOE, 1-100 BOE/day, >100 BOE/day). We used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between overall and trimester-specific OGD exposures and term birth weight (tBW), low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age birth (SGA). We assessed effect modification by urban/rural community type. RESULTS Adjusted models showed exposure to active OGD was associated with adverse birth outcomes in rural areas; effect estimates in urban areas were close to null. In rural areas, increasing production volume was associated with stronger adverse effect estimates. High (>100 BOE/day) vs. no production throughout pregnancy was associated with increased odds of LBW [odds ratio (OR)=1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.71] and SGA (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.45), and decreased tBW (mean difference = -36 grams, 95% CI: -54, -17), but not with PTB (OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.18). CONCLUSION Proximity to higher production OGD in California was associated with adverse birth outcomes among mothers residing in rural areas. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings in other populations and improve exposure assessment measures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5842.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy V Tran
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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29
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Wollin KM, Damm G, Foth H, Freyberger A, Gebel T, Mangerich A, Gundert-Remy U, Partosch F, Röhl C, Schupp T, Hengstler JG. Critical evaluation of human health risks due to hydraulic fracturing in natural gas and petroleum production. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:967-1016. [PMID: 32385535 PMCID: PMC7225182 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to extract oil and natural gas has increased, along with intensive discussions on the associated risks to human health. Three technical processes should be differentiated when evaluating human health risks, namely (1) drilling of the borehole, (2) hydraulic stimulation, and (3) gas or oil production. During the drilling phase, emissions such as NOx, NMVOCs (non-methane volatile organic compounds) as precursors for tropospheric ozone formation, and SOx have been shown to be higher compared to the subsequent phases. In relation to hydraulic stimulation, the toxicity of frac fluids is of relevance. More than 1100 compounds have been identified as components. A trend is to use fewer, less hazardous and more biodegradable substances; however, the use of hydrocarbons, such as kerosene and diesel, is still allowed in the USA. Methane in drinking water is of low toxicological relevance but may indicate inadequate integrity of the gas well. There is a great concern regarding the contamination of ground- and surface water during the production phase. Water that flows to the surface from oil and gas wells, so-called 'produced water', represents a mixture of flow-back, the injected frac fluid returning to the surface, and the reservoir water present in natural oil and gas deposits. Among numerous hazardous compounds, produced water may contain bromide, arsenic, strontium, mercury, barium, radioactive isotopes and organic compounds, particularly benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). The sewage outflow, even from specialized treatment plants, may still contain critical concentrations of barium, strontium and arsenic. Evidence suggests that the quality of groundwater and surface water may be compromised by disposal of produced water. Particularly critical is the use of produced water for watering of agricultural areas, where persistent compounds may accumulate. Air contamination can occur as a result of several HF-associated activities. In addition to BTEX, 20 HF-associated air contaminants are group 1A or 1B carcinogens according to the IARC. In the U.S., oil and gas production (including conventional production) represents the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions. High-quality epidemiological studies are required, especially in light of recent observations of an association between childhood leukemia and multiple myeloma in the neighborhood of oil and gas production sites. In conclusion, (1) strong evidence supports the conclusion that frac fluids can lead to local environmental contamination; (2) while changes in the chemical composition of soil, water and air are likely to occur, the increased levels are still often below threshold values for safety; (3) point source pollution due to poor maintenance of wells and pipelines can be monitored and remedied; (4) risk assessment should be based on both hazard and exposure evaluation; (5) while the concentrations of frac fluid chemicals are low, some are known carcinogens; therefore, thorough, well-designed studies are needed to assess the risk to human health with high certainty; (6) HF can represent a health risk via long-lasting contamination of soil and water, when strict safety measures are not rigorously applied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H Foth
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - A Freyberger
- Research and Development, Translational Sciences-Toxicology, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - T Gebel
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany
| | - A Mangerich
- Molecular Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - U Gundert-Remy
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Partosch
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - C Röhl
- Department of Environmental Health Protection, Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Social Services, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Schupp
- Chemical Engineering, University of Applied Science Muenster, Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.
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Deziel NC, Brokovich E, Grotto I, Clark CJ, Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Broday D, Agay-Shay K. Unconventional oil and gas development and health outcomes: A scoping review of the epidemiological research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109124. [PMID: 32069745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing together with directional and horizontal well drilling (unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development) has increased substantially over the last decade. UOG development is a complex process presenting many potential environmental health hazards, raising serious public concern. AIM To conduct a scoping review to assess what is known about the human health outcomes associated with exposure to UOG development. METHODS We performed a literature search in MEDLINE and SCOPUS for epidemiological studies of exposure to UOG development and verified human health outcomes published through August 15, 2019. For each eligible study we extracted data on the study design, study population, health outcomes, exposure assessment approach, statistical methodology, and potential confounders. We reviewed the articles based on categories of health outcomes. RESULTS We identified 806 published articles, most of which were published during the last three years. After screening, 40 peer-reviewed articles were selected for full text evaluation and of these, 29 articles met our inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated pregnancy outcomes, cancer incidence, hospitalizations, asthma exacerbations, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries or mortality from traffic accidents. Our review found that 25 of the 29 studies reported at least one statistically significant association between the UOG exposure metric and an adverse health outcome. The most commonly studied endpoint was adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm deliveries and low birth weight. Few studies evaluated the mediating pathways that may underpin these associations, highlighting a clear need for research on the potential exposure pathways and mechanisms underlying observed relationships. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the heterogeneity among studies with respect to study design, outcome of interest, and exposure assessment methodology. Though replication in other populations is important, current research points to a growing body of evidence of health problems in communities living near UOG sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Eran Brokovich
- Natural Resources Administration, Ministry of Energy, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer, Sheva, Israel.
| | - Cassandra J Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Research Center for Health Informatics, School of Engineering, Ruppin Academic Center, Israel.
| | - David Broday
- Department of Environmental, Water, and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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Johnston J, Cushing L. Chemical Exposures, Health, and Environmental Justice in Communities Living on the Fenceline of Industry. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:48-57. [PMID: 31970715 PMCID: PMC7035204 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Polluting industries are more likely to be located in low-income communities of color who also experience greater social stressors that may make them more vulnerable than others to the health impacts of toxic chemical exposures. We describe recent developments in assessing pollutant exposures and health threats posed by industrial facilities using or releasing synthetic chemicals to nearby communities in the U.S. RECENT FINDINGS More people are living near oil and gas development due to the expansion of unconventional extraction techniques as well as near industrial animal operations, both with suggestive evidence of increased exposure to hazardous pollutants and adverse health effects. Legacy contamination continues to adversely impact a new generation of residents in fenceline communities, with recent studies documenting exposures to toxic metals and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Researchers are also giving consideration to acute exposures resulting from inadvertent industrial chemical releases, including those resulting from extreme weather events linked to climate change. Natural experiments of industrial closures or cleanups provide compelling evidence that exposures from industry harm the health of nearby residents. New and legacy industries, coupled with climate change, present unique health risks to communities living near industry due to the release of toxic chemicals. Cumulative impacts from multiple stressors faced by environmental justice communities may amplify these adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lara Cushing
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Abstract
This article reviews evidence for the public health impacts of coal across the extraction, processing, use, and waste disposal continuum. Surface coal mining and processing impose public health risks on residential communities through air and water pollution. Burning coal in power plants emits more nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and heavy metals per unit of energy than any other fuel source and impairs global public health. Coal ash disposal exposes communities to heavy metals and particulate matter waste. Use of coal in domestic households causes public health harm concentrated in developing nations. Across the coal continuum, adverse impacts are disproportionately felt by persons of poor socioeconomic status, contributing to health inequities. Despite efforts to develop renewable energy sources, coal use has not declined on a global scale. Concentrated efforts to eliminate coal as an energy source are imperative to improve public health and avert serious climate change consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
| | - Keith J Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA;
| | - Juhua Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
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Holder C, Hader J, Avanasi R, Hong T, Carr E, Mendez B, Wignall J, Glen G, Guelden B, Wei Y. Evaluating potential human health risks from modeled inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds emitted from oil and gas operations. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2019; 69:1503-1524. [PMID: 31621516 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2019.1680459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Some states and localities restrict siting of new oil and gas (O&G) wells relative to public areas. Colorado includes a 500-foot exception zone for building units, but it is unclear if that sufficiently protects public health from air emissions from O&G operations. To support reviews of setback requirements, this research examines potential health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during O&G operations.We used stochastic dispersion modeling with published emissions for 47 VOCs (collected on-site during tracer experiments) to estimate outdoor air concentrations within 2,000 feet of hypothetical individual O&G facilities in Colorado. We estimated distributions of incremental acute, subchronic, and chronic inhalation non-cancer hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indices (HIs), and inhalation lifetime cancer risks for benzene, by coupling modeled concentrations with microenvironmental penetration factors, human-activity diaries, and health-criteria levels.Estimated exposures to most VOCs were below health criteria at 500-2,000 feet. HQs were < 1 for 43 VOCs at 500 feet from facilities, with lowest values for chronic exposures during O&G production. Hazard estimates were highest for acute exposures during O&G development, with maximum acute HQs and HIs > 1 at most distances from facilities, particularly for exposures to benzene, 2- and 3-ethyltoluene, and toluene, and for hematological, neurotoxicity, and respiratory effects. Maximum acute HQs and HIs were > 10 for highest-exposed individuals 500 feet from eight of nine modeled facilities during O&G development (and 2,000 feet from one facility during O&G flowback); hematologic toxicity associated with benzene exposure was the critical toxic effect. Estimated cancer risks from benzene exposure were < 1.0 × 10-5 at 500 feet and beyond.Implications: Our stochastic use of emissions data from O&G facilities, along with activity-pattern exposure modeling, provides new information on potential public-health impacts due to emissions from O&G operations. The results will help in evaluating the adequacy of O&G setback distances. For an assessment of human-health risks from exposures to air emissions near individual O&G sites, we have utilized a unique dataset of tracer-derived emissions of VOCs detected at such sites in two regions of intense oil-and-gas development in Colorado. We have coupled these emission stochastically with local meteorological data and population and time-activity data to estimate the potential for acute, subchronic, and chronic exposures above health-criteria levels due to air emissions near individual sites. These results, along with other pertinent health and exposure data, can be used to inform setback distances to protect public health.
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Serrano-Lomelin J, Nielsen CC, Jabbar MSM, Wine O, Bellinger C, Villeneuve PJ, Stieb D, Aelicks N, Aziz K, Buka I, Chandra S, Crawford S, Demers P, Erickson AC, Hystad P, Kumar M, Phipps E, Shah PS, Yuan Y, Zaiane OR, Osornio-Vargas AR. Interdisciplinary-driven hypotheses on spatial associations of mixtures of industrial air pollutants with adverse birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104972. [PMID: 31299602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse birth outcomes (ABO) such as prematurity and small for gestational age confer a high risk of mortality and morbidity. ABO have been linked to air pollution; however, relationships with mixtures of industrial emissions are poorly understood. The exploration of relationships between ABO and mixtures is complex when hundreds of chemicals are analyzed simultaneously, requiring the use of novel approaches. OBJECTIVE We aimed to generate robust hypotheses spatially linking mixtures and the occurrence of ABO using a spatial data mining algorithm and subsequent geographical and statistical analysis. The spatial data mining approach aimed to reduce data dimensionality and efficiently identify spatial associations between multiple chemicals and ABO. METHODS We discovered co-location patterns of mixtures and ABO in Alberta, Canada (2006-2012). An ad-hoc spatial data mining algorithm allowed the extraction of primary co-location patterns of 136 chemicals released into the air by 6279 industrial facilities (National Pollutant Release Inventory), wind-patterns from 182 stations, and 333,247 singleton live births at the maternal postal code at delivery (Alberta Perinatal Health Program), from which we identified cases of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and low birth weight at term. We selected secondary patterns using a lift ratio metric from ABO and non-ABO impacted by the same mixture. The relevance of the secondary patterns was estimated using logistic models (adjusted by socioeconomic status and ABO-related maternal factors) and a geographic-based assignment of maternal exposure to the mixtures as calculated by kernel density. RESULTS From 136 chemicals and three ABO, spatial data mining identified 1700 primary patterns from which five secondary patterns of three-chemical mixtures, including particulate matter, methyl-ethyl-ketone, xylene, carbon monoxide, 2-butoxyethanol, and n-butyl alcohol, were subsequently analyzed. The significance of the associations (odds ratio > 1) between the five mixtures and ABO provided statistical support for a new set of hypotheses. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that, in complex research settings, spatial data mining followed by pattern selection and geographic and statistical analyses can catalyze future research on associations between air pollutant mixtures and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Serrano-Lomelin
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alberta, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3V9, Canada.
| | - Charlene C Nielsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada; Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, 1-26 Earth Science Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada.
| | - M Shazan M Jabbar
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, 32 Athabasca Hall, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8, Canada.
| | - Osnat Wine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Colin Bellinger
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, 32 Athabasca Hall, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8, Canada.
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Herzberg Building, Room 5413, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Dave Stieb
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Nancy Aelicks
- Alberta Health Services, Alberta Perinatal Health Program, Suite 310, 1403-29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada.
| | - Khalid Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Irena Buka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Sue Chandra
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alberta, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3V9, Canada.
| | - Susan Crawford
- Alberta Health Services, Alberta Perinatal Health Program, Suite 310, 1403-29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada.
| | - Paul Demers
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 105-515 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, Canada.
| | - Anders C Erickson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, 101 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Erica Phipps
- Canadian Partnership for Children's Health & Environment, 1500-55 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2H7, Canada.
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Room 19-231A, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Osmar R Zaiane
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, 32 Athabasca Hall, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8, Canada.
| | - Alvaro R Osornio-Vargas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
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Casey JA, Goin DE, Rudolph KE, Schwartz BS, Mercer D, Elser H, Eisen EA, Morello-Frosch R. Unconventional natural gas development and adverse birth outcomes in Pennsylvania: The potential mediating role of antenatal anxiety and depression. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108598. [PMID: 31357155 PMCID: PMC6726131 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported associations between unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) and adverse birth outcomes. None have evaluated potential mediating mechanisms. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between (1) UNGD and antenatal anxiety and depression and (2) antenatal anxiety and depression and preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) and reduced term birth weight, (3) stochastic direct and indirect effects of UNGD on preterm birth and term birth weight operating through antenatal anxiety and depression, and (4) effect modification by family-level socioeconomic status. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included mothers without prevalent anxiety or depression at time of conception, who delivered at Geisinger in Pennsylvania between January 2009-January 2013. We assembled phase-specific UNGD activity data from public sources. Mothers were categorized as exposed (quartile 4) or unexposed (quartiles 1-3) based on average daily inverse distance-squared UNGD activity metric between conception and the week prior to anxiety or depression (cases) or the pregnancy-average daily metric (non-cases). We estimated associations with a doubly robust estimator (targeted minimum loss-based estimation) and adjusted for potential individual- and community-level confounding variables. RESULTS Analyses included 8,371 births to 7,715 mothers, 12.2% of whom had antenatal anxiety or depression. We found 4.3 additional cases of antenatal anxiety or depression per 100 women (95% CI: 1.5, 7.0) under the scenario where all mothers lived in the highest quartile of UNGD activity versus quartiles 1-3. The risk difference appeared larger among mothers receiving Medical Assistance (indicator of low family income) compared to those who did not, 5.6 (95% CI: 0.5, 10.6) versus 2.9 (95% CI: -0.7, 6.5) additional cases of antenatal anxiety or depression per 100 women. We found no relationship between antenatal anxiety or depression and adverse birth outcomes and no mediation effect either overall or when stratifying by Medical Assistance. CONCLUSION We observed a relationship between UNGD activity and antenatal anxiety and depression, which did not mediate the overall association between UNGD activity and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A Casey
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Dana E Goin
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dione Mercer
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Holly Elser
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA; College of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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Kroepsch AC, Maniloff PT, Adgate JL, McKenzie LM, Dickinson KL. Environmental Justice in Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas Drilling and Production: A Critical Review and Research Agenda. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:6601-6615. [PMID: 31117531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The drilling phase of oil and natural gas development is a growing area of environmental justice (EJ) research, particularly in the United States. Its emergence complements the longstanding EJ scholarship on later phases of the oil and gas commodity chain, such as pipeline transport, refining, and consumption. The growing scholarly attention to the EJ implications of drilling has been prompted by the surge in development of unconventional oil and gas resources in recent decades. More specifically, the oil and gas industry's adoption of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a., "fracking" or "fracing") as methods for extracting oil and gas from a wider range of geologic formations has simultaneously heightened oil and gas production, brought extractive activities closer to more people, intensified them, and made well pad siting more flexible. Here, we provide a critical review of the novel EJ research questions that are being prompted by these on-the-ground changes in extractive techniques and patterns, propose an interdisciplinary conceptual framework for guiding EJ inquiry in this context, discuss key methodological considerations, and propose a research agenda to motivate future inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne C Kroepsch
- Colorado School of Mines , 1500 Illinois Street , Golden , Colorado 80104 , United States
| | - Peter T Maniloff
- Colorado School of Mines , 1500 Illinois Street , Golden , Colorado 80104 , United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Lisa M McKenzie
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Katherine L Dickinson
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
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Allshouse WB, McKenzie LM, Barton K, Brindley S, Adgate JL. Community Noise and Air Pollution Exposure During the Development of a Multi-Well Oil and Gas Pad. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:7126-7135. [PMID: 31136715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) in the United States is increasingly being conducted on multiwell pads (MWPs) and in residential areas. We measured air pollution, noise, and truck traffic during four distinct phases of UOGD: drilling, hydraulic fracturing, flowback, and production. We monitored particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), A-weighted (dBA), and C-weighted (dBC) noise using real-time instruments on 1 and 5 min time scales, and truck traffic for 4-7 days per phase at a large 22-well pad sited in a residential area of Weld County, Colorado. Hydraulic fracturing, which requires frequent truck trips to move supplies and diesel engines to power the process, had the highest median air pollution levels of PM2.5 and BC and experienced the greatest number of heavy trucks per hour compared to other phases. Median air pollution was lowest during drilling at this MWP, possibly because an electric drill rig was used. The equivalent continuous noise level ( Leq) exceeded guidelines of 50 dBA and 65 dBC for A-weighted and C-weighted noise, respectively, during all development phases. Our data show that these multiple stressors are present around the clock at these sites, and this work provides baseline measurements on likely human exposure levels near similarly sized MWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Kelsey Barton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , 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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A Systematic Review of the Epidemiologic Literature Assessing Health Outcomes in Populations Living near Oil and Natural Gas Operations: Study Quality and Future Recommendations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122123. [PMID: 31208070 PMCID: PMC6616936 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A systematic method was used to review the existing epidemiologic literature and determine the state of the scientific evidence for potential adverse health outcomes in populations living near oil and natural gas (ONG) operations in the United States. The review utilized adapted systematic review frameworks from the medical and environmental health fields, such as Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE), the Navigation Guide, and guidance from the National Toxicology Program’s Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). The review included 20 epidemiologic studies, with 32 different health outcomes. Studies of populations living near ONG operations provide limited evidence (modest scientific findings that support the outcome, but with significant limitations) of harmful health effects including asthma exacerbations and various self-reported symptoms. Study quality has improved over time and the highest rated studies within this assessment have primarily focused on birth outcomes. Additional high-quality studies are needed to confirm or dispute these correlations.
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McKenzie LM, Crooks J, Peel JL, Blair BD, Brindley S, Allshouse WB, Malin S, Adgate JL. Relationships between indicators of cardiovascular disease and intensity of oil and natural gas activity in Northeastern Colorado. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:56-64. [PMID: 30557692 PMCID: PMC6360130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and natural gas (O&G) extraction emits pollutants that are associated with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in the United States. OBJECTIVE We evaluated associations between intensity of O&G activity and cardiovascular disease indicators. METHODS Between October 2015 and May 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 97 adults living in Northeastern Colorado. For each participant, we collected 1-3 measurements of augmentation index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)- 1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We modelled the intensity of O&G activity by weighting O&G well counts within 16 km of a participant's home by intensity and distance. We used linear models accounting for repeated measures within person to evaluate associations. RESULTS Adjusted mean augmentation index differed by 6.0% (95% CI: 0.6, 11.4%) and 5.1% (95%CI: -0.1, 10.4%) between high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. The greatest mean IL-1β, and α-TNF plasma concentrations were observed for participants in the highest exposure tertile. IL-6 and IL-8 results were consistent with a null result. For participants not taking prescription medications, the adjusted mean SBP differed by 6 and 1 mm Hg (95% CIs: 0.1, 13 mm Hg and -6, 8 mm Hg) between the high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. DBP results were similar. For participants taking prescription medications, SBP and DBP results were consistent with a null result. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations, our results support associations between O&G activity and augmentation index, SBP, DBP, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Our study was not able to elucidate possible mechanisms or environmental stressors, such as air pollution and noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - James Crooks
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer L Peel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin D Blair
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephanie Malin
- Department of Sociology & Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Franklin M, Chau K, Cushing LJ, Johnston JE. Characterizing Flaring from Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations in South Texas Using Satellite Observations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:2220-2228. [PMID: 30657671 PMCID: PMC8915930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, increases in high-volume hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction in the United States have raised concerns with residents living near wells. Flaring, or the combustion of petroleum products into the open atmosphere, is a common practice associated with oil and gas exploration and production, and has been under-examined as a potential source of exposure. We leveraged data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (VIIRS) Nightfire satellite product to characterize the extent of flaring in the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, one of the most productive in the nation. Spatiotemporal hierarchical clustering identified flaring sources, and a regression-based approach combining VIIRS information with reported estimates of vented and flared gas from the Railroad Commission of Texas enabled estimation of flared gas volume at each flare. We identified 43887 distinct oil and gas flares in the study region from 2012 to 2016, with a peak in activity in 2014 and an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters of total gas volume flared over the study period. A comparison with well permit data indicated the majority of flares were associated with oil-producing (82%) and horizontally drilled (92%) wells. Of the 49 counties in the region, 5 accounted for 71% of the total flaring. Our results suggest flaring may be a significant environmental exposure in parts of this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
- Corresponding author: Phone: +1 (323) 442-2703;
| | - Khang Chau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
| | - Lara J. Cushing
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco California, 94132, United States
| | - Jill E. Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California 90032, United States
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Denham A, Willis M, Zavez A, Hill E. Unconventional natural gas development and hospitalizations: evidence from Pennsylvania, United States, 2003-2014. Public Health 2019; 168:17-25. [PMID: 30677623 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine relationships between short-term and long-term exposures to unconventional natural gas development, commonly known as fracking, and county hospitalization rates for a variety of broad disease categories. STUDY DESIGN This is an ecological study based on county-level data for Pennsylvania, United States, 2003-2014. METHODS We estimated multivariate regressions with county and year fixed effects, using two 12-year panels: all 67 Pennsylvania counties and 54 counties that are not large metropolitan. RESULTS After correcting for multiple comparisons, we found a positive association of cumulative well density (per km2) with genitourinary hospitalization rates. When large metropolitan counties were excluded, this relationship persisted, and positive associations of skin-related hospitalization rates with cumulative well count and well density were observed. The association with genitourinary hospitalization rates is driven by females in 20-64 years group, particularly for kidney infections, calculus of ureter, and urinary tract infection. Contemporaneous wells drilled were not significantly associated with hospitalizations after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that long-term exposure to unconventional gas development may have an impact on prevalence of hospitalizations for certain diseases in the affected populations and identifies areas of future research on unconventional gas development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Denham
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - M Willis
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, United States
| | - A Zavez
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, United States
| | - E Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States.
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Janitz AE, Dao HD, Campbell JE, Stoner JA, Peck JD. The association between natural gas well activity and specific congenital anomalies in Oklahoma, 1997-2009. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:381-388. [PMID: 30551805 PMCID: PMC6328052 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural gas drilling may pose multiple health risks, including congenital anomalies, through air pollutant emissions and contaminated water. Two recent studies have evaluated the relationship between natural gas activity and congenital anomalies, with both observing a positive relationship. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate whether residence near natural gas wells is associated with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD), neural tube defects (NTD), and oral clefts in Oklahoma, the third highest natural gas producing state in the US. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study among singleton births in Oklahoma (n = 476,600) to evaluate natural gas activity and congenital anomalies. We calculated an inverse distance-squared weighted (IDW) score based on the number of actively producing wells within a two-mile radius of the maternal residence during the month of delivery. We used modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate prevalence proportion ratios (PPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between tertiles of natural gas activity (compared to no wells) and CCHD, NTD, and oral clefts adjusted for maternal education. RESULTS We observed an increased, though imprecise, prevalence of NTDs among children with natural gas activity compared to children with no wells (2nd tertile PPR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.93; 3rd tertile PPR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.75). We observed no association with CCHD or oral clefts overall. Specific CCHDs of common truncus, transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary valve atresia and stenosis, tricuspid valve atresia and stenosis, interrupted aortic arch, and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection were increased among those living in areas with natural gas activity compared to those living in areas without activity, though not statistically significant. DISCUSSION Our results were similar to previous studies for NTDs and specific CCHDs. Future directions include evaluating the association between specific phases of the drilling process and congenital anomalies to better refine the relevant exposure period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Janitz
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Hanh Dung Dao
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Janis E Campbell
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Julie A Stoner
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jennifer D Peck
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Stapleton HM. Unconventional oil and gas chemicals and wastewater-impacted water samples promote adipogenesis via PPARγ-dependent and independent mechanisms in 3T3-L1 cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 640-641:1601-1610. [PMID: 29937353 PMCID: PMC6197861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations have contributed to a surge in domestic oil and natural gas production in the United States, combining horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing to unlock previously inaccessible fossil fuel deposits. >1000 organic chemicals are used in the production process, and wastewater is produced following injection and for the life of the producing well. This wastewater is typically disposed of via injecting into disposal wells for long-term storage, treatment and discharge from wastewater treatment plants, and/or storage in open evaporation pits; however, wastewater spill rates are reported at 2-20% of active well sites across regions, increasing concerns about the environmental impacts of these wastewaters. This study assessed adipogenic activity (both triglyceride accumulation and pre-adipocyte proliferation) for a mixture of 23 commonly used UOG chemicals and a small subset of UOG wastewater-impacted surface water extracts from Colorado and West Virginia, using 3T3-L1 cells and a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) reporter assay. We report potent and efficacious adipogenic activity induced by both a laboratory-created UOG chemical mixture and UOG-impacted water samples at concentrations below environmental levels. We further report activation of PPARγ at similar concentrations for some samples, suggesting a causative molecular pathway for the observed effects, but not for other adipogenic samples, implicating PPARγ-dependent and independent effects from UOG associated chemicals. Taken together, these results suggest that UOG wastewater has the potential to impact metabolic health at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Konkel L. Drilling into Critical Windows of Exposure: Trimester-Specific Associations between Gas Development and Preterm Birth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:104002. [PMID: 30272490 PMCID: PMC6371694 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Hill EL. Shale gas development and infant health: Evidence from Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2018; 61:134-150. [PMID: 30114565 PMCID: PMC6629042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This research exploits the introduction of shale gas wells in Pennsylvania in response to growing controversy around the drilling method of hydraulic fracturing. Using detailed location data on maternal addresses and GIS coordinates of gas wells, this study examines singleton births to mothers residing close to a shale gas well from 2003 to 2010 in Pennsylvania. The introduction of drilling increased low birth weight and decreased term birth weight on average among mothers living within 2.5 km of a well compared to mothers living within 2.5 km of a permitted well. Adverse effects were also detected using measures such as small for gestational age and APGAR scores, while no effects on gestation periods were found. In the intensive margin, an additional well is associated with a 7 percent increase in low birth weight, a 5 g reduction in term birth weight and a 3 percent increase in premature birth. These results are robust to other measures of infant health, many changes in specification and falsification tests. These findings suggest that shale gas development poses significant risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine L Hill
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, 265 Crittenden Blvd Box 420644, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
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