1
|
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:e1-e12. [PMID: 38991173 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [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. Published online ahead of print July 11, 2024:e1-e12. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307730).
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
González DJ, Morello-Frosch R, Liu Z, Willis MD, Feng Y, McKenzie LM, Steiger BB, Wang J, Deziel NC, Casey JA. Wildfires increasingly threaten oil and gas wells in the western United States with disproportionate impacts on marginalized populations. ONE EARTH (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 7:1044-1055. [PMID: 39036466 PMCID: PMC11259100 DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The western United States is home to most of the nation's oil and gas production and, increasingly, wildfires. We examined historical threats of wildfires for oil and gas wells, the extent to which wildfires are projected to threaten wells as climate change progresses, and exposure of human populations to these wells. From 1984-2019, we found that cumulatively 102,882 wells were located in wildfire burn areas, and 348,853 people were exposed (resided ≤ 1 km). During this period, we observed a five-fold increase in the number of wells in wildfire burn areas and a doubling of the population within 1 km of these wells. These trends are projected to increase by late century, likely threatening human health. Approximately 2.9 million people reside within 1 km of wells in areas with high wildfire risk, and Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American people have disproportionately high exposure to wildfire-threatened wells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J.X. González
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- Lead contact
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Zehua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yan Feng
- Environmental Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa M. McKenzie
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Benjamin B. Steiger
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jiali Wang
- Environmental Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Johnston JE, Quist AJL, Navarro S, Farzan SF, Shamasunder B. Cardiovascular health and proximity to urban oil drilling in Los Angeles, California. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:505-511. [PMID: 37553411 PMCID: PMC10850428 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ~18 million people live within a mile from active oil and gas development (OGD) sites in the United States, epidemiological research on how OGD affects the health of nearby urban residents is sparse. Thousands of OGD sites are spread across Los Angeles (LA) County, California, home to the largest urban oil production in the country. Air pollution and noise from OGD may contribute to cardiovascular morbidity. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between proximity to OGD and blood pressure in a diverse cohort of residents in LA. METHODS We recruited residents in South LA who lived <1 km from an OGD site. We collected three blood pressure measurements for each participant and used the second and third measurements to calculate averages for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) separately. We conducted multivariable linear regression to examine the relationship between distance to OGD sites and continuous SBP and DBP, adjusting for BMI, smoking status, distance to freeway, sex, age, and use of antihypertension medications, with a random effect for household. We examined effect measure modification by BMI category and smoking category. RESULTS Among the 623 adult participants, we found that for every 100 meter increase in distance from the OGD site, DBP was reduced by an average of 0.73 mmHg (95% CI: -1.26, -0.21) in this population. We observed stronger effects of proximity to OGD site on DBP among never smokers and among participants with a healthy BMI. The associations observed between proximity to OGD site and SBP were weaker but followed the same patterns as those for DBP. IMPACT Our study suggests that living near urban oil drilling sites is significantly associated with greater diastolic blood pressure in urban Los Angeles communities. This research improves understanding of impacts from living nearby drilling operations on the health and welfare of this community, which is critical to inform public health relevant strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Arbor J L Quist
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Shohreh F Farzan
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Department of Urban & Environmental Policy, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahdoot S, Baum CR, Cataletto MB, Hogan P, Wu CB, Bernstein A. Climate Change and Children's Health: Building a Healthy Future for Every Child. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023065504. [PMID: 38374809 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The warming of our planet matters to every child. Driven by fossil fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions, climate conditions stable since the founding of modern pediatrics in the mid-nineteenth century have shifted, and old certainties are falling away. Children's physical and mental health are threatened by climate change through its effects on temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather; ecological disruption; and community disruption. These impacts expose and amplify existing inequities and create unprecedented intergenerational injustice. Fossil fuel extraction and combustion cause harm today and reach centuries into the future, jeopardizing the health, safety, and prosperity of today's children and future generations. Appreciating the unique vulnerability of their patients, pediatricians have become leading health advocates for climate actions necessary to protect all living and future children. Policies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote cleaner air, facilitate walking and bicycling, encourage more sustainable diets, increase access to nature, and develop more connected communities lead to immediate gains in child health and equity, and build a foundation for generations of children to thrive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ahdoot
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Carl R Baum
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Bono Cataletto
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York
| | - Patrick Hogan
- Pediatric Residency Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christina B Wu
- O'Neill Center for Global and National Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gasparyan L, Duc J, Claustre L, Bosson-Rieutort D, Bouchard M, Bouchard MF, Owens-Beek N, West Moberly First Nations Chief And Council, Caron-Beaudoin É, Verner MA. Density and proximity of oil and gas wells and concentrations of trace elements in urine, hair, nails and tap water samples from pregnant individuals living in Northeastern British Columbia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108398. [PMID: 38237504 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108398] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and gas exploitation can release several contaminants in the environment, including trace elements, with potentially deleterious effects on exposed pregnant individuals and their developing fetus. Currently, there is limited data on pregnant individuals' exposure to contaminants associated with oil and gas activity. OBJECTIVES We aimed to 1)measure concentrations of trace elements in biological and tap water samples collected from pregnant individuals participating in the EXPERIVA study; 2)compare with reference populations and health-based guidance values; 3)assess correlations across matrices; and 4)evaluate associations with the density/proximity of oil and gas wells. METHODS We collected tap water, hair, nails, and repeated urine samples from 85pregnant individuals, and measured concentrations of 21trace elements. We calculated oil and gas well density/proximity (Inverse Distance Weighting [IDW]) for 4buffer sizes (2.5 km, 5 km, 10 km, no buffer). We performed Spearman's rank correlation analyses to assess the correlations across elements and matrices. We used multiple linear regression models to evaluate the associations between IDWs and concentrations. RESULTS Some study participants had urinary trace element concentrations exceeding the 95th percentile of reference values; 75% of participants for V, 29% for Co, 22% for Ba, and 20% for Mn. For a given trace element, correlation coefficients ranged from -0.23 to 0.65 across matrices; correlations with tap water concentrations were strongest for hair, followed by nails, and urine. Positive (e.g., Cu, Cr, Sr, U, Ga, Ba, Al, Cd) and negative (e.g., Fe) associations were observed between IDW metrics and the concentrations of certain trace elements in water, hair, and nails. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that pregnant individuals living in an area of oil and gas activity may be more exposed to certain trace elements (e.g., Mn, Sr, Co, Ba) than the general population. Association with density/proximity of wells remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Gasparyan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juliette Duc
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucie Claustre
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Bouchard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, QC, Canada; Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chan M, Shamasunder B, Johnston JE. Social and Environmental Stressors of Urban Oil and Gas Facilities in Los Angeles County, California, 2020. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:1182-1190. [PMID: 37499202 PMCID: PMC10568508 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307360] [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: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine patterns of cumulative environmental injustice with respect to operations of urban oil and gas development in Los Angeles County, California. Methods. Using CalEnviroScreen (CES) 4.0, oil and gas data permit records, and US census data, we examined the association between CES score (grouped into equal quintiles, with the lowest representing low cumulative burden) and oil and gas development (presence or absence of an oil and gas production well) within 1 kilometer of a census block centroid. Results. Among census blocks in the highest quintile of CES score, we observed 94% increased odds of being within 1 kilometer of a well compared with census blocks in the lowest quintile of CES score (odds ratio = 1.94; 95% confidence interval = 1.83, 2.10). In our multivariable model, the proportion of Black residents and higher quintiles of CES score were also associated with increased odds of a nearby oil and gas well. Conclusions. These findings suggest that oil and gas facilities are operating in neighborhoods already cumulatively burdened and with higher proportions of Black residents. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(11):1182-1190. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307360).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Chan
- Marissa Chan is with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Bhavna Shamasunder is with Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA. Jill E. Johnston is with the University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Marissa Chan is with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Bhavna Shamasunder is with Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA. Jill E. Johnston is with the University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Marissa Chan is with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Bhavna Shamasunder is with Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA. Jill E. Johnston is with the University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morello-Frosch R, Obasogie OK. The Climate Gap and the Color Line - Racial Health Inequities and Climate Change. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:943-949. [PMID: 36884328 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsb2213250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Morello-Frosch
- From the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and the Divisions of Environmental Health Sciences and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health (R.M.-F.), and the School of Law and Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health (O.K.O.), University of California, Berkeley
| | - Osagie K Obasogie
- From the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and the Divisions of Environmental Health Sciences and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health (R.M.-F.), and the School of Law and Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health (O.K.O.), University of California, Berkeley
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
González DJX, Morton CM, Hill LAL, Michanowicz DR, Rossi RJ, Shonkoff SBC, Casey JA, Morello‐Frosch R. Temporal Trends of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Population Exposures to Upstream Oil and Gas Development in California. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000690. [PMID: 36968155 PMCID: PMC10035325 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
People living near oil and gas development are exposed to multiple environmental stressors that pose health risks. Some studies suggest these risks are higher for racially and socioeconomically marginalized people, which may be partly attributable to disparities in exposures. We examined whether racially and socioeconomically marginalized people in California are disproportionately exposed to oil and gas wells and associated hazards. We longitudinally assessed exposure to wells during three time periods (2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2019) using sociodemographic data at the census block group-level. For each block group and time period, we assessed exposure to new, active, retired, and plugged wells, and cumulative production volume. We calculated risk ratios to determine whether marginalized people disproportionately resided near wells (within 1 km). Averaged across the three time periods, we estimated that 1.1 million Californians (3.0%) lived within 1 km of active wells. Nearly 9 million Californians (22.9%) lived within 1 km of plugged wells. The proportion of Black residents near active wells was 42%-49% higher than the proportion of Black residents across California, and the proportion of Hispanic residents near active wells was 4%-13% higher than their statewide proportion. Disparities were greatest in areas with the highest oil and gas production, where the proportion of Black residents was 105%-139% higher than statewide. Socioeconomically marginalized residents also had disproportionately high exposure to wells. Though oil and gas production has declined in California, marginalized communities persistently had disproportionately high exposure to wells, potentially contributing to health disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J. X. González
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and ManagementUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Claire M. Morton
- Mathematical and Computational Science ProgramStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Seth B. C. Shonkoff
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- PSE Healthy EnergyOaklandCAUSA
- Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryEnergy Technologies AreaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Rachel Morello‐Frosch
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and ManagementUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Willis MD, Carozza SE, Hystad P. Congenital anomalies associated with oil and gas development and resource extraction: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Texas. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:84-93. [PMID: 36460921 PMCID: PMC9852077 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and gas extraction-related activities produce air and water pollution that contains known and suspected teratogens. To date, health impacts of in utero exposure to these activities is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE We investigated associations between in utero exposure to oil and gas extraction activity in Texas, one of the highest producers of oil and gas, and congenital anomalies. METHODS We created a population-based birth cohort between 1999 and 2009 with full maternal address at delivery and linked to the statewide congenital anomaly surveillance system (n = 2,234,138 births, 86,315 cases). We examined extraction-related exposures using tertiles of inverse distance-squared weighting within 5 km for drilling site count, gas production, oil production, and produced water. In adjusted logistic regression models, we calculated odds of any congenital anomaly and 10 specific organ sites using two comparison groups: 1) 5 km of future drilling sites that are not yet operating (a priori main models), and 2) 5-10 km of an active well. RESULTS Using the temporal comparison group, we find increased odds of any congenital anomaly in the highest tertile exposure group for site count (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.30), oil production (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12), gas production (1.20; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.23), and produced water (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.20). However, associations did not follow a consistent exposure-response pattern across tertiles. Associations are highly attenuated, but still increased, with the spatial comparison group in the highest tertile exposure group. Cardiac and circulatory defects are strongly and consistently associated with all exposure metrics. SIGNIFICANCE Increased odds of congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac and circulatory defects, were associated with exposures related to oil and gas extraction in this large population-based study. Future research is needed to confirm findings, examine specific exposure pathways, and identify potential avenues to reduce exposures among local populations. IMPACT About 5% of the U.S. population (~17.6 million people) resides within 1.6 km of an active oil or gas extraction site, yet the influence of this industry on population health is not fully understood. In this analysis, we examined associations between oil and gas extraction-related exposures and congenital anomalies by organ site using birth certificate and congenital anomaly surveillance data in Texas (1999-2009). Increased odds of congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac and circulatory defects, were associated with exposures related to oil and gas extraction in this large population-based study. Future research is needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Susan E Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gonzalez DJX, Nardone A, Nguyen AV, Morello-Frosch R, Casey JA. Historic redlining and the siting of oil and gas wells in the United States. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:76-83. [PMID: 35418707 PMCID: PMC9556657 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of active or inactive (i.e., postproduction) oil and gas wells in neighborhoods may contribute to ongoing pollution. Racially discriminatory neighborhood security maps developed by the Home-Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s may contribute to environmental exposure disparities. OBJECTIVE To determine whether receiving worse HOLC grades was associated with exposure to more oil and gas wells. METHODS We assessed exposure to oil and gas wells among HOLC-graded neighborhoods in 33 cities from 13 states where urban oil and gas wells were drilled and operated. Among the 17 cities for which 1940 census data were available, we used propensity score restriction and matching to compare well exposure neighborhoods that were similar on observed 1940 sociodemographic characteristics but that received different grades. RESULTS Across all included cities, redlined D-graded neighborhoods had 12.2 ± 27.2 wells km-2, nearly twice the density in neighborhoods graded A (6.8 ± 8.9 wells km-2). In propensity score restricted and matched analyses, redlined neighborhoods had 2.0 (1.3, 2.7) more wells than comparable neighborhoods with a better grade. SIGNIFICANCE Our study adds to the evidence that structural racism in federal policy is associated with the disproportionate siting of oil and gas wells in marginalized neighborhoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J X Gonzalez
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Anthony Nardone
- University of California (UC) Berkeley-UC San Francisco (UCSF) Joint Medical Program, UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UCSF School of Medicine, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew V Nguyen
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hao Y, Wu W, Fraser WD, Huang H. Association between residential proximity to municipal solid waste incinerator sites and birth outcomes in Shanghai: a retrospective cohort study of births during 2014-2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2460-2470. [PMID: 34496690 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1970116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis of whether maternal residential proximity to municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) sites could significantly affect birth outcomes. This retrospective birth cohort study conducted at the International Peace Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai, China, included 59,606 mothers with singleton live births during 2014-2018. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to examine associations between residential proximity to MSWI sites and birth outcomes. Small for gestational age (SGA) was significantly more common among children with maternal residential proximity to MSWI sites (odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.34). Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) influenced this association. Infants of underweight mothers (prepregnancy BMI <18.5 kg/m2) with MSWI exposure (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.58-2.52) had higher risks of SGA than their counterparts. Our findings underscore the need to prevent adverse environmental effects of MSWI on birth outcomes; improved exposure assessment measures are warranted in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibin Wu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - William D Fraser
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schuele H, Baum CF, Landrigan PJ, Hawkins SS. Associations between proximity to gas production activity in counties and birth outcomes across the US. Prev Med Rep 2022; 30:102007. [PMID: 36245806 PMCID: PMC9554803 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite mounting evidence on the health effects of natural gas development (NGD), including hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), existing research has been constrained to high-producing states, limiting generalizability. To expand the scope of previous research, we examined the associations between prenatal exposure and NGD production activity in 28 states on birth outcomes overall and by race/ethnicity. We linked 2005–2018 county-level microdata natality files on 33,849,409 singleton births from 1984 counties in 28 states with nine-month county-level averages of NGD production by both conventional and unconventional production methods, based on month/year of birth. We estimated linear regression models for birth weight and gestational age and probit models for the dichotomous outcomes of low birth weight, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age. We subsequently examined interactions between women’s race/ethnicity and NGD production. We found that 53.8% of counties had NGD production activity. A 10% increase in NGD production in a county was associated with a decrease in mean birth weight by 1.48 g (95% CI = −2.60, −0.37), with reductions of 10.19 g (−13.56, −6.81) for infants born to Black women and 2.76 g (−5.05, −0.46) for infants born to Asian women. A 10% increase in NGD production in a county was associated with an increased risk of infants born low birth weight (0.0008; 95% CI = 0.0006, 0.0010) or small-for-gestational age (0.0018; 95% CI = 0.0015, 0.0022), particularly among infants born to Black women. In sum, NGD for energy production has negative impacts on the health of infants, with greatest effects in infants born to minoritized women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailee Schuele
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Christopher F. Baum
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA,Boston College, Department of Economics, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA,German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), Department of Macroeconomics, Berlin, USA
| | - Philip J. Landrigan
- Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Global Observatory on Pollution and Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Summer Sherburne Hawkins
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA,Corresponding author at: Boston College, School of Social Work, McGuinn Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. Deziel
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Cassandra J. Clark
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department 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
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department 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
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Maternal proximity to mountain-top removal mining and birth defects in Appalachian Kentucky, 1997–2003. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272998. [PMID: 35951600 PMCID: PMC9371306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extraction of coal through mountaintop removal mining (MTR) alters many dimensions of the landscape. Explosive blasts, exposed rock, and coal washing have the potential to pollute air and water. Previous research suggests that infants born to mothers living in areas with MTR have a higher prevalence of birth defects. In this cross-sectional study, we further examine the relationship between MTR activity and several types of birth defects. Maternal exposure to MTR was assessed using remote sensing data from Skytruth, which captures MTR activity in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. Active MTR area was quantified within a five-kilometer buffer surrounding geocoded maternal address captured on birth records for live births to Appalachian Kentucky mothers between 1997 and 2003 (N = 95,581). We assigned high, medium, and low exposure based on the tertile of total MTR area within 5-km, and births with no MTR within this buffer were assigned zero exposure. The presence or absence of a birth defect grouped into six major organ systems was identified using birth records alone. Finally, we applied conditional multiple imputation for variables with missing values before conducting separate multivariable log-binomial regression models for each birth defect group. Prevalence ratio (PR) estimates were adjusted for individual level covariates from birth records. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal defects was significantly higher in birth records with high and low active MTR exposure compared to records with no exposure. (High exposure: PR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.14–3.47; low exposure PR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.06–3.31). This study supports some of the existing findings of previous ecological studies. Research addressing the relationship between gastro-intestinal birth defects and MTR coal mining is warranted but should carefully consider temporal dimensions of exposure.
Collapse
|
19
|
Elser H, Rowland ST, Tartof SY, Parks RM, Bruxvoort K, Morello-Frosch R, Robinson SC, Pressman AR, Wei RX, Casey JA. Ambient temperature and risk of urinary tract infection in California: A time-stratified case-crossover study using electronic health records. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107303. [PMID: 35635960 PMCID: PMC9233468 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States (US), urinary tract infections (UTI) lead to more than 10 million office visits each year. Temperature and season are potentially important risk factors for UTI, particularly in the context of climate change. METHODS We examined the relationship between ambient temperature and outpatient UTI diagnoses among patients followed from 2015 to 2017 in two California healthcare systems: Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) and Sutter Health in Northern California. We identified UTI diagnoses in adult patients using diagnostic codes and laboratory records from electronic health records. We abstracted patient age, sex, season of diagnosis, and linked community-level Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE-I, a measure of wealth and poverty concentration) based on residential address. Daily county-level average ambient temperature was assembled from the Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM). We implemented distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) to assess the association between UTI and lagged daily temperatures. Main analyses were confined to women. In secondary analyses, we stratified by season, healthcare system, and community-level ICE-I. RESULTS We observed 787,186 UTI cases (89% among women). We observed a threshold association between ambient temperature and UTI among women: an increase in daily temperature from the 5th percentile (6.0 ˚C) to the mean (16.2 ˚C) was associated with a 3.2% (95% CI: 2.4, 3.9%) increase in same-day UTI diagnosis rate, whereas an increase from the mean to 95th percentile was associated with no change in UTI risk (0.0%, 95% CI: -0.7, 0.6%). In secondary analyses, we observed the clearest monotonic increase in the rate of UTI diagnosis with higher temperatures in the fall. Associations did not differ meaningfully by healthcare system or community-level ICE-I. Results were robust to alternate model specifications. DISCUSSION Increasing temperature was related to higher rate of outpatient UTI, particularly in the shoulder seasons (spring, autumn).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Elser
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sebastian T Rowland
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara Y Tartof
- Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States; Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Robbie M Parks
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Katia Bruxvoort
- Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environment, Science, Policy, and Managmeent, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; School of Public Helath, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Sarah C Robinson
- Sutter Health Center for Health Systems Research, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Alice R Pressman
- Sutter Health Center for Health Systems Research, Walnut Creek, CA, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rong X Wei
- Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Joan A Casey
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 1206, New York, NY 212-304-5502, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gonzalez DJX, Francis CK, Shaw GM, Cullen MR, Baiocchi M, Burke M. Upstream oil and gas production and ambient air pollution in California. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150298. [PMID: 34844318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have found that residential proximity to upstream oil and gas production is associated with increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Emissions of ambient air pollutants from oil and gas wells in the preproduction and production stages have been proposed as conferring risk of adverse health effects, but the extent of air pollutant emissions and resulting nearby pollution concentrations from wells is not clear. OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of upstream oil and gas preproduction (count of drilling sites) and production (total volume of oil and gas) activities on concentrations of five ambient air pollutants in California. METHODS We obtained data on approximately 1 million daily observations from 314 monitors in the EPA Air Quality System, 2006-2019, including daily concentrations of five routinely monitored ambient air pollutants: PM2.5, CO, NO2, O3, and VOCs. We obtained data on preproduction and production operations from Enverus and the California Geographic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) for all wells in the state. For each monitor and each day, we assessed exposure to upwind preproduction wells and total oil and gas production volume within 10 km. We used a panel regression approach in the analysis and fit adjusted fixed effects linear regression models for each pollutant, controlling for geographic, seasonal, temporal, and meteorological factors. RESULTS We observed higher concentrations of PM2.5 and CO at monitors within 3 km of preproduction wells, NO2 at monitors at 1-2 km, and O3 at 2-4 km from the wells. Monitors with proximity to increased production volume observed higher concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and VOCs within 1 km and higher O3 concentrations at 1-2 km. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Adjusting for geographic, meteorological, seasonal, and time-trending factors, we observed higher concentrations of ambient air pollutants at air quality monitors in proximity to preproduction wells within 4 km and producing wells within 2 km.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J X Gonzalez
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Christina K Francis
- Program in Environmental Science and Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark R Cullen
- Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, USA
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marshall Burke
- Department of Earth System Science, School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
|
22
|
Willis MD, Hill EL, Kile ML, Carozza S, Hystad P. Associations between residential proximity to oil and gas extraction and hypertensive conditions during pregnancy: a difference-in-differences analysis in Texas, 1996-2009. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 51:525-536. [PMID: 34897479 PMCID: PMC9082796 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and gas extraction produces air pollutants that are associated with increased risks of hypertension. To date, no study has examined residential proximity to oil and gas extraction and hypertensive conditions during pregnancy. This study quantifies associations between residential proximity to oil and gas development on gestational hypertension and eclampsia. METHODS We utilized a population-based retrospective birth cohort in Texas (1996-2009), where mothers reside <10 km from an active or future drilling site (n = 2 845 144.) Using full-address data, we linked each maternal residence at delivery to assign exposure and evaluate this exposure with respect to gestational hypertension and eclampsia. In a difference-in-differences framework, we model the interaction between maternal health before (unexposed) or after (exposed) the start of drilling activity (exposed) and residential proximity near (0-1, >1-2 or >2-3 km) or far (≥3-10 km) from an active or future drilling site. RESULTS Among pregnant women residing 0-1 km from an active oil or gas extraction site, we estimate 5% increased odds of gestational hypertension [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.10] and 26% increased odds of eclampsia (95% CI: 1.05, 1.51) in adjusted models. This association dissipates in the 1- to 3-km buffer zones. In restricted models, we find elevated odds ratios among maternal ages ≤35 years at delivery, maternal non-Hispanic White race, ≥30 lbs gained during pregnancy, nulliparous mothers and maternal educational attainment beyond high school. CONCLUSIONS Living within 1 km of an oil or gas extraction site during pregnancy is associated with increased odds of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- Corresponding author. 160 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. E-mail:
| | - Elaine L Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Susan Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Casey JA, Cushing L, Depsky N, Morello-Frosch R. Climate Justice and California's Methane Superemitters: Environmental Equity Assessment of Community Proximity and Exposure Intensity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14746-14757. [PMID: 34668703 PMCID: PMC8936179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Methane superemitters emit non-methane copollutants that are harmful to human health. Yet, no prior studies have assessed disparities in exposure to methane superemitters with respect to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and civic engagement. To do so, we obtained the location, category (e.g., landfill, refinery), and emission rate of California methane superemitters from Next Generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG) flights conducted between 2016 and 2018. We identified block groups within 2 km of superemitters (exposed) and 5-10 km away (unexposed) using dasymetric mapping and assigned level of exposure among block groups within 2 km (measured via number of superemitter categories and total methane emissions). Analyses included 483 superemitters. The majority were dairy/manure (n = 213) and oil/gas production sites (n = 127). Results from fully adjusted logistic mixed models indicate environmental injustice in methane superemitter locations. For example, for every 10% increase in non-Hispanic Black residents, the odds of exposure increased by 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.17). We observed similar disparities for Hispanics and Native Americans but not with indicators of socioeconomic status. Among block groups located within 2 km, increasing proportions of non-White populations and lower voter turnout were associated with higher superemitter emission intensity. Previously unrecognized racial/ethnic disparities in exposure to California methane superemitters should be considered in policies to tackle methane emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan A. Casey
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, New York, NY 10034, USA
- Co-corresponding authors: ,
| | - Lara Cushing
- University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicholas Depsky
- University of California, Berkeley, Energy and Resources Group, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Co-corresponding authors: ,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rovira J, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Environmental impact and human health risks of air pollutants near a large chemical/petrochemical complex: Case study in Tarragona, Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147550. [PMID: 33991912 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chemical industries and oil refineries are known emission sources of environmental contaminants, such as metals/metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), among others. Based on the toxicological potential of these pollutants, harmful health effects can be expected for the population living near these facilities. One of the largest chemical/petrochemical complexes in Europe is located in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). In the last two decades, a number of investigations aimed at assessing the environmental impact of air pollutants potentially emitted by this industrial complex have been carried out. The present paper is a review of the available scientific information on the levels of air pollutants related with the activities of this chemical/petrochemical complex. Although there are currently some data on the environmental burdens of metals/metalloids, PAHs, VOCs and PCDD/Fs, there is an evident lack of specific biological monitoring studies on human health. Taking into account the amount of chemicals released to air and their toxicity, it is essential to perform an in-depth analysis of the current health status of the population living in Tarragona County.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Johnston JE, Okorn K, Van Horne YO, Jimenez A. Changes in neighborhood air quality after idling of an urban oil production site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:967-980. [PMID: 34037015 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00048a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas development is occurring in urban, densely populated neighborhoods; however, the impacts of these operations on neighborhood air quality are not well characterized. In this research, we leveraged ambient air monitoring adjacent to an oil and gas production site in Los Angeles, California during active and idle periods. This study analyzed continuous methane (CH4) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) measurements, together with triggered grab samples and 24 hour integrated canister samples collected by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Ambient air pollutant levels and trends were evaluated during active and idle well operations to assess changes in neighborhood air quality after the suspension of oil and gas production. We find that mean concentrations of methane, NMHC, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene, n-hexane, n-pentane, ethane, and propane decreased following the stop in production activities. Using a source apportionment approach, we observed that the "natural gas" drilling source contributed 23.7% to the total VOCs measured during the active phase, and only 0.6% to the total measured VOCs in the idle phase. Near urban oil and gas production sites, residents may face poorer air quality due to the oil and gas activities which may pose adverse health and environmental risks among proximate communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Kristen Okorn
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Amanda Jimenez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Okorn K, Jimenez A, Collier-Oxandale A, Johnston J, Hannigan M. Characterizing methane and total non-methane hydrocarbon levels in Los Angeles communities with oil and gas facilities using air quality monitors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146194. [PMID: 34602658 PMCID: PMC8485894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, sensor networks have been proven valuable to assess air quality on highly localized scales. Here we leverage innovative sensors to characterize gaseous pollutants in a complex urban environment and evaluate differences in air quality in three different Los Angeles neighborhoods where oil and gas activity is present. We deployed monitors across urban neighborhoods in South Los Angles adjacent to oil and gas facilities with varying levels of production. Using low-cost sensors built in-house, we measured methane, total non-methane hydrocarbons (TNMHCs), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide during three deployment campaigns over four years. The multi-sensor linear regression calibration model developed to quantify methane and TNMHCs offers up to 16% improvement in coefficient of determination and up to a 22% reduction in root mean square error for the most recent dataset as compared to previous models. The deployment results demonstrate that airborne methane concentrations are higher within a 500 m radius of three urban oil and gas facilities, as well as near a natural gas distribution pipeline, likely a result of proximity to sources. While there are numerous additional sources of TNMHCs in complex urban environments, some sites appear to be larger emitters than others. Significant methane emissions were also measured at an idle site, suggesting that fugitive emissions may still occur even if production is ceased. Episodic spikes of both compounds suggested an association with oil and gas activities, demonstrating how sensor networks can be used to elucidate community-scale sources and differences in air quality moving forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Okorn
- Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Correspondence: , P: (303) 735-8054, A: 1111 Engineering Dr., Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Amanda Jimenez
- Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | - Jill Johnston
- Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael Hannigan
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Johnston JE, Enebish T, Eckel SP, Navarro S, Shamasunder B. Respiratory health, pulmonary function and local engagement in urban communities near oil development. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111088. [PMID: 33794173 PMCID: PMC8579779 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern oil development frequently occurs in close proximity to human populations. Los Angeles, California is home to the largest urban oil field in the country with thousands of active oil and gas wells in very close proximity to homes, schools and parks, yet few studies have investigated potential health impacts. The neighborhoods along the Las Cienagas oil fields are situated in South LA, densely populated by predominantly low-income Black and Latinx families, many of whom are primarily Spanish-speakers. METHODS A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted between January 2017 and August 2019 among residents living <1000 m from two oil wells (one active, one idle) in the Las Cienagas oil field. We collected self-reported acute health symptoms and measured FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation) and FVC (forced vital capacity). We related lung function measures to distance and direction from an oil and gas development site using generalized linear models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS A total of 961 residents from two neighborhoods participated, the majority of whom identify as Latinx. Participants near active oil development reported significantly higher prevalence of wheezing, eye and nose irritation, sore throat and dizziness in the past 2 weeks. Among 747 valid spirometry tests, we observe that living near (less than 200 m) of oil operations was associated with, on average, -112 mL lower FEV1 (95% CI: -213, -10) and -128 mL lower FVC (95% CI: -252, -5) compared to residents living more than 200 m from the sites after adjustments for covariates, including age, sex, height, proximity to freeway, asthma status and smoking status. When accounting for predominant wind direction and proximity, we observe that residents living downwind and less than 200 m from oil operations have, on average, -414 mL lower FEV1 (95% CI: -636, -191) and -400 mL lower FVC (95% CI: -652, -147) compared to residents living upwind and more than 200 m from the wells. CONCLUSIONS Living nearby and downwind of urban oil and gas development sites is associated with lower lung function among residents, which may contribute to environmental health disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Temuulen Enebish
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Department of Urban & Environmental Policy, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tang IW, Langlois PH, Vieira VM. Birth defects and unconventional natural gas developments in Texas, 1999-2011. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110511. [PMID: 33245885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional natural gas developments (UNGD) may release air and water pollutants into the environment, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study evaluating 52,955 cases with birth defects and 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 to investigate the relationship between UNGD exposure and the risk of gastroschisis, congenital heart defects (CHD), neural tube defects (NTDs), and orofacial clefts in Texas. We calculated UNGD densities (number of UNGDs per area) within 1, 3, and 7.5 km of maternal address at birth and categorized exposure by density tertiles. For CHD subtypes with large case numbers, we also performed time-stratified analyses to examine temporal trends. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association with UNGD exposure, accounting for maternal characteristics and neighborhood factors. We also included a bivariable smooth of geocoded maternal location in an additive model to account for unmeasured spatially varying risk factors. Positive associations were observed between the highest tertile of UNGD density within 1 km of maternal address and risk of anencephaly (aOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.86), spina bifida (aOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), gastroschisis among older mothers (aOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.77, 5.73), aortic valve stenosis (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.71), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (aOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.86), and pulmonary valve atresia or stenosis (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66). For CHD subtypes, results did not differ substantially by distance from maternal address or when residual confounding was considered, except for atrial septal defects. We did not observe associations with orofacial clefts. Our results suggest that UNGDs were associated with some CHDs and possibly NTDs. In addition, we identified temporal trends and observed presence of spatial residual confounding for some CHDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Tang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA.
| | - Peter H Langlois
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Verónica M Vieira
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lin Y, Gao X, Qiu X, Liu J, Tseng CH, Zhang JJ, Araujo JA, Zhu Y. Urinary carboxylic acid metabolites as possible novel biomarkers of exposures to alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106325. [PMID: 33340988 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (alkyl-PAHs) were more abundant in petrogenic sources (e.g., crude oil and its refined products) than pyrogenic sources of incomplete combustion. While urinary hydroxylated metabolites of unsubstituted PAHs have been widely used as biomarkers of PAHs exposures, little information is available as to the occurrence of alkyl-PAH metabolites. In this study, we have detected carboxylic acid metabolites of alkyl-naphthalene (2-NAPCA) and alkyl-phenanthrene (2-PHECA) in 314 urine samples repeatedly collected from 45 Los Angeles residents before, during, and after they spent ten weeks in Beijing in summers of 2014-2017. We found that traveling from Los Angeles to Beijing led to 348% (95% CI: 243 to 485%) and 209% (95% CI: 149 to 282%) increases in 2-NAPCA and 2-PHECA concentrations, respectively, which returned to baseline levels after participants came back to Los Angeles. The concentration ratio between 2-PHECA and hydroxy-phenanthrenes was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in Beijing (median: 0.40, IQR: 0.27-0.53) than in Los Angeles (median: 0.51, IQR: 0.32-0.77), where more than 5,000 active gas and oil wells were located. From 2014 to 2017, the concentration ratio of 2-PHECA to hydroxy-phenanthrenes increased by 28.7 (95%CI: 12.3 to 47.6) %/yr in Los Angeles and 18.6 (95%CI: 7.9 to 30.3) %/yr in Beijing, likely resulted from both cities' efforts to reduce pyrogenic emissions (e.g. vehicle exhaust). These results provided indirect evidence supporting the use of 2-PHECA to hydroxy-phenanthrene ratio as an index to reflect the relative exposure contributions from petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. While our study suggested that urinary PAHCAs may be novel biomarkers of exposure to alkyl-PAHs, future studies with external exposure characterization are warranted to further validate these biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Xueyao Gao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Xinghua Qiu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China.
| | - Jinming Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Junfeng Jim Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China; Nicholas School of the Environment and Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jesus A Araujo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Yifang Zhu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhou X, Peng X, Montazeri A, McHale LE, Gaßner S, Lyon DR, Yalin AP, Albertson JD. Mobile Measurement System for the Rapid and Cost-Effective Surveillance of Methane and Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Oil and Gas Production Sites. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:581-592. [PMID: 33314919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a ground-based mobile measurement system was developed to provide rapid and cost-effective emission surveillance of both methane (CH4) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas (O&G) production sites. After testing in several controlled release experiments, the system was deployed in a field campaign in the Eagle Ford basin, TX. We found fat-tail distributions for both methane and total VOC (C4-C12) emissions (e.g., the top 20% sites ranked according to methane and total VOC (C4-C12) emissions were responsible for ∼60 and ∼80% of total emissions, respectively) and a good correlation between them (Spearman's R = 0.74). This result suggests that emission controls targeting relatively large emitters may help significantly reduce both methane and VOCs in oil and wet gas basins, such as the Eagle Ford. A strong correlation (Spearman's R = 0.84) was found between total VOC (C4-C12) emissions estimated using SUMMA canisters and data reported from a local ambient air monitoring station. This finding suggests that this system has the potential for rapid emission surveillance targeting relatively large emitters, which can help achieve emission reductions for both greenhouse gas (GHG) and air toxics from O&G production well pads in a cost-effective way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochi Zhou
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Xiao Peng
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Amir Montazeri
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Laura E McHale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Simon Gaßner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - David R Lyon
- Environmental Defense Fund, Austin, Texas 78701, United States
| | - Azer P Yalin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - John D Albertson
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Partridge T, Barandiaran J, Walsh C, Bakardzhieva K, Bronstein L, Hernandez M. California oil: Bridging the gaps between local decision-making and state-level climate action. THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES AND SOCIETY 2020; 7:1354-1359. [PMID: 32837934 PMCID: PMC7428750 DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2020.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
California has set ambitious climate policies, including economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2045. Yet levels of oil production and consumption remain high in the state. This gap between California's oil politics and its climate ambitions is deepened by decentralized decision-making processes. County officials are tasked with extractive planning decisions that have wide-ranging implications. In this Viewpoint article, we analyze proposals for enhanced extraction at the Cat Canyon oilfield in Santa Barbara County. After two of three proposals were withdrawn in recent months, we highlight how it has been oil industry volatility and public opposition - rather than state regulations - that have brought county development plans into closer alignment with state climate goals. As California pursues a goal of 'managing the decline' of domestic oil production, we identify strategies for bridging such gaps between local decision-making and state-level climate action, including: a comprehensive state-wide ban on new enhanced oil extraction projects; a 2,500 ft buffer zone around extraction sites; and revenue generation schemes that support a just transition. As Covid-19 forces an oil surplus and lowered production, there are opportunities to enact such changes - particularly by redirecting oil industry labor toward the growing problem of well decommissioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Partridge
- Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2150, United States
| | - Javiera Barandiaran
- Department of Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7065, United States
| | - Casey Walsh
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3210, United States
| | - Kalina Bakardzhieva
- Department of Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7065, United States
| | - Leah Bronstein
- Department of Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7065, United States
| | - Monica Hernandez
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4160, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Reply to Schade G. Comment on Hess et al. "Assessing Agreement in Exposure Classifications between Proximity-Based Metrics and Air Monitoring Data in Epidemiology Studies of Unconventional Resource Development.". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165801. [PMID: 32796578 PMCID: PMC7459469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
37
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|