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Poole EM, Boland MR. A National Study of the Associations between Hormonal Modulators in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Chemicals and Birth Outcomes in the United States of America: A County-Level Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:107001. [PMID: 39412281 PMCID: PMC11481936 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) due to hydraulic fracturing (HF) exposure is a growing concern. Regional studies have demonstrated links, but results are often contradictory among studies. OBJECTIVES This is the first US national study to our knowledge linking fracturing fluid ingredients to the human hormone pathways targeted-estrogen, testosterone, or other hormones (e.g., thyroid hormone)-to assess the effect of HF ingredients on rates of PTB and LBW. METHODS We constructed generalized linear regression models of the impact of HF well density and hormone targeting chemicals in HF fluids (2001-2018) on the county-level average period prevalence rates of PTB and LBW (2015-2018) with each outcome measured in separate models. Our data sources consisted of publicly available datasets, including the WellExplorer database, which uses data from FracFocus, the March of Dimes Peristats, the US Census Bureau, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We conducted additional stratified analyses to address issues of confounding. We used stratification to address issues regarding outcomes in rural vs. urban communities by assessing whether our models achieved similar results in nonmetro counties, as well as farming and mining counties. We also stratified by the year of the HF data to include HF data that was closer to the time of the birth outcomes. We also added covariate adjustment to address other important factors linked to adverse birth outcomes, including the proportion of the population belonging to various racial and ethnic minority populations (each modeled as a separate variable); education (bachelor's degree and high school); use of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, acres of agricultural land per square mile; poverty; insurance status; marital status; population per square mile; maternal care deserts; and drug deaths per 100,000 people. RESULTS We found that the density of HF wells in a county was significantly associated with both PTB and LBW rates (percentage of live births) in our fully adjusted models. We report the results from our more restrictive stratified analysis with a subset including only the 2014-2018 data, because this resulted in the most meaningful time frame for comparison. Across all models, the magnitude of effect was highest for wells with ingredients that include estrogen targeting chemicals (ETCs), testosterone targeting chemicals (TTCs) and other hormone targeting chemicals (OHTCs), and, finally, all wells grouped regardless of chemical type. For every unit increase in well density per square mile of wells that use chemicals that include an ETC, we observed a 3.789-higher PTB rate (95% CI: 1.83, 5.74) compared with counties with no ETC wells from 2014 to 2018 and likewise, we observed a 1.964-higher LBW rate (95% CI: 0.41, 3.52). Similarly, for every unit increase in well density per square mile of wells that use TTC, we observed a 3.192-higher PTB rate (95% CI: 1.62, 4.77) compared with counties with no TTC wells. Likewise, for LBW, we found a 1.619-higher LBW rate (95% CI: 0.37, 2.87). We also found that an increase in well density per square mile among wells that use chemicals that include an OHTC resulting in a 2.276-higher PTB rate (95% CI: 1.25, 3.30) compared with counties with no OHTC wells, and for LBW, we found a 1.244-higher LBW rate (95% CI: 0.43, 2.06). We also explored the role of HF well exposure in general (regardless of the chemicals used) and found that an increase in total well density (grouped regardless of hormonal targeting status of the chemicals used) resulted in a 1.228-higher PTB rate (95% CI: 0.66, 1.80) compared with counties with no wells, and for LBW, we found a 0.602-higher LBW rate (95% CI: 0.15, 1.05) compared with counties with no wells. We found similar results in our primary analysis that used all data without any exclusions and the statistical significance did not change. DISCUSSION Our findings reinforce previously identified regional associations between HF and PTB and LBW, but on a national scale. Our findings point to dysregulation of hormonal pathways underpinning HF exposure risk on birth outcomes, which warrants further exploration. Future research must consider the specific ingredients used in HF fluids to properly understand the differential effects of exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12628.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella M. Poole
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary Regina Boland
- Department of Mathematics, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Data Science, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Marketing, Analytics, and Global Commerce, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, USA
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Daley C, Doris M, Verner MA, Zalzal J, Chesnaux R, Minet L, Kang M, MacLean HL, Hatzopoulou M, Owens-Beek N, Caron-Beaudoin É. Residential proximity to conventional and unconventional wells and exposure to indoor air volatile organic compounds in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 263:114462. [PMID: 39293310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous study located in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada), we observed associations between density and proximity of oil and gas wells and indoor air concentrations of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Whether conventional or unconventional well types and phases of unconventional development contribute to these associations remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations between proximity-based metrics for conventional and unconventional wells and measured indoor air VOC concentrations in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study samples. METHODS Eighty-four pregnant individuals participated in EXPERIVA. Passive indoor air samplers were analyzed for 47 VOCs. Oil and gas well legacy data were sourced from the British Columbia Energy Regulator. For each participant's home, 5 km, 10 km and no buffer distances were delineated, then density and Inverse Distance Square Weighted (ID2W) metrics were calculated to estimate exposure to conventional and unconventional wells during pregnancy and the VOC measurement period. Multiple linear regression models were used to test for associations between the well exposure metrics and indoor air VOCs. For exposure metrics with >30% participants having a value of 0, we dichotomized exposure (0 vs. >0) and performed ANOVAs to assess differences in mean VOCs concentrations. RESULTS Analyses indicated that: 1) conventional well density and ID2W metrics were positively associated with indoor air acetone and decanal; 2) unconventional well density and ID2W metrics were positively associated with indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and negatively associated with decanal; 3) drilling specific ID2W metrics for unconventional wells were positively associated with indoor air chloroform. CONCLUSION Our analysis revealed that the association between the exposure metrics and indoor air acetone could be attributed to conventional wells and the association between exposure metrics and indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane could be attributed to unconventional wells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coreen Daley
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miranda Doris
- Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jad Zalzal
- Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Romain Chesnaux
- Applied Sciences, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Minet
- Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary Kang
- Civil Engineering, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Heather L MacLean
- Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Day MW, Daley C, Wu Y, Pathmaraj M, Verner MA, Caron-Beaudoin É. Altered oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers concentrations in pregnant individuals exposed to oil and gas sites in Northeastern British Columbia. Toxicol Sci 2024; 201:73-84. [PMID: 38897649 PMCID: PMC11347777 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Northeastern British Columbia is a region of prolific unconventional oil and gas (UOG) activity. UOG activity can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can elevate oxidative stress and disrupt antioxidant activity in exposed pregnant individuals, potentially increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study measured biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pooled urine samples of 85 pregnant individuals living in Northeastern British Columbia, to analyze associations between indoor air VOCs, oil and gas well density and proximity metrics, and biomarker concentrations. Concentrations of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (aMT6s), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-isoprostane were measured using assay kits. Associations between exposure metrics and biomarker concentrations were determined using multiple linear regression models adjusted for biomarker-specific covariables. UOG proximity was associated with decreased SOD and 8-OHdG. Decreased 8-OHdG was associated with increased proximity to all wells. Decreased aMT6s were observed with increased indoor air hexanal concentrations. MDA was negatively associated with indoor air 1,4-dioxane concentrations. No statistically significant associations were found between other biomarkers and exposure metrics. Although some associations linked oil and gas activity to altered oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, the possibility of chance findings due to the large number of tests cannot be discounted. This study shows that living near UOG wells may alter oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pregnant individuals. More research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and to what degree UOG activity affects oxidative stress and antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Day
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Coreen Daley
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Maduomethaa Pathmaraj
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Akpo H, Doyle-Waters MM, Ronald LA, Friesen M, Takaro T, Leven K, Meyer U, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) chemical exposures: a scoping review of the toxicological literature. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 0:reveh-2024-0076. [PMID: 38985132 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Many chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) are known toxicants, leading to health concerns about the effects of UOG. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the toxicological literature to assess the effects of UOG chemical exposures in models relevant to human health. We searched databases for primary research studies published in English or French between January 2000 and June 2023 on UOG-related toxicology studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts to determine inclusion. Seventeen studies met our study inclusion criteria. Nine studies used solely in vitro models, while six conducted their investigation solely in animal models. Two studies incorporated both types of models. Most studies used real water samples impacted by UOG or lab-made mixtures of UOG chemicals to expose their models. Most in vitro models used human cells in monocultures, while all animal studies were conducted in rodents. All studies detected significant deleterious effects associated with exposure to UOG chemicals or samples, including endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, behavioral changes and metabolic alterations. Given the plausibility of causal relationships between UOG chemicals and adverse health outcomes highlighted in this review, future risk assessment studies should focus on measuring exposure to UOG chemicals in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hélène Akpo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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Shaw GM, Gonzalez DJX, Goin DE, Weber KA, Padula AM. Ambient Environment and the Epidemiology of Preterm Birth. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:361-377. [PMID: 38705646 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. We describe environmental factors that may influence PTB risks. We focus on exposures associated with an individual's ambient environment, such as air pollutants, water contaminants, extreme heat, and proximities to point sources (oil/gas development or waste sites) and greenspace. These exposures may further vary by other PTB risk factors such as social constructs and stress. Future examinations of risks associated with ambient environment exposures would benefit from consideration toward multiple exposures - the exposome - and factors that modify risk including variations associated with the structural genome, epigenome, social stressors, and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary M Shaw
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology - Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Academic Medicine (CAM), 453 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - David J X Gonzalez
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, CA 94720, USA
| | - Dana E Goin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kari A Weber
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, RAHN 6219, Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Amy M Padula
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, #103N, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Aker AM, Friesen M, Ronald LA, Doyle-Waters MM, Takaro TK, Thickson W, Levin K, Meyer U, Caron-Beaudoin E, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD): A scoping review of epidemiologic studies. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:446-467. [PMID: 38457120 PMCID: PMC11133301 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD, sometimes termed "fracking" or "hydraulic fracturing") is an industrial process to extract methane gas and/or oil deposits. Many chemicals used in UOGD have known adverse human health effects. Canada is a major producer of UOGD-derived gas with wells frequently located in and around rural and Indigenous communities. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to identify the extent of research evidence assessing UOGD exposure-related health impacts, with an additional focus on Canadian studies. METHODS We included English- or French-language peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies (January 2000-December 2022) which measured exposure to UOGD chemicals directly or by proxy, and where health outcomes were plausibly caused by UOGD-related chemical exposure. Results synthesis was descriptive with results ordered by outcome and hierarchy of methodological approach. SYNTHESIS We identified 52 studies from nine jurisdictions. Only two were set in Canada. A majority (n = 27) used retrospective cohort and case-control designs. Almost half (n = 24) focused on birth outcomes, with a majority (n = 22) reporting one or more significant adverse associations of UOGD exposure with: low birthweight; small for gestational age; preterm birth; and one or more birth defects. Other studies identified adverse impacts including asthma (n = 7), respiratory (n = 13), cardiovascular (n = 6), childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 2), and all-cause mortality (n = 4). CONCLUSION There is a growing body of research, across different jurisdictions, reporting associations of UOGD with adverse health outcomes. Despite the rapid growth of UOGD, which is often located in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities, Canadian research on its effects on human health is remarkably sparse. There is a pressing need for additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M Aker
- Université Laval, CHU de Quebec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Willow Thickson
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen Levin
- Emerald Environmental Consulting, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Doris M, Daley C, Zalzal J, Chesnaux R, Minet L, Kang M, Caron-Beaudoin É, MacLean HL, Hatzopoulou M. Modelling spatial & temporal variability of air pollution in an area of unconventional natural gas operations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123773. [PMID: 38499172 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123773] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing unconventional natural gas production industry in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, few studies have explored the air quality implications on human health in nearby communities. Researchers who have worked with pregnant women in this area have found higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of their homes associated with higher density and closer proximity to gas wells. To inform ongoing exposure assessments, this study develops land use regression (LUR) models to predict ambient air pollution at the homes of pregnant women by using natural gas production activities as predictor variables. Using the existing monitoring network, the models were developed for three temporal scales for 12 air pollutants. The models predicting monthly, bi-annual, and annual mean concentrations explained 23%-94%, 54%-94%, and 73%-91% of the variability in air pollutant concentrations, respectively. These models can be used to investigate associations between prenatal exposure to air pollutants associated with natural gas production and adverse health outcomes in northeastern British Columbia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Doris
- Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Coreen Daley
- Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada.
| | - Jad Zalzal
- Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Romain Chesnaux
- Applied Sciences, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Canada.
| | - Laura Minet
- Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, Canada.
| | - Mary Kang
- Civil Engineering, McGill University, Canada.
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Masoud C, Modi M, Bhattacharyya N, Jahn LG, McPherson KN, Abue P, Patel K, Allen DT, Hildebrandt Ruiz L. High Chlorine Concentrations in an Unconventional Oil and Gas Development Region and Impacts on Atmospheric Chemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15454-15464. [PMID: 37783466 PMCID: PMC10586373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04005] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Growth in unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) in the United States has increased airborne emissions, raising environmental and human health concerns. To assess the potential impacts on air quality, we deployed instrumentation in Karnes City, Texas, a rural area in the middle of the Eagle Ford Shale. We measured several episodes of elevated Cl2 levels, reaching maximum hourly averages of 800 ppt, the highest inland Cl2 concentration reported to date. Concentrations peak during the day, suggesting a strong local source (given the short photolysis lifetime of Cl2) and/or a photoinitiated production mechanism. Well preproduction activity near the measurement site is a plausible source of these high Cl2 levels via direct emission and photoactive chemistry. ClNO2 is also observed, but it peaks overnight, consistent with well-known nocturnal formation processes. Observations of organochlorines in the gas and particle phases reflect the contribution of chlorine chemistry to the formation of secondary pollutants in the area. Box modeling results suggest that the formation of ozone at this location is influenced by chlorine chemistry. These results suggest that UOGD can be an important source of reactive chlorine in the atmosphere, impacting radical budgets and the formation of secondary pollutants in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine
G. Masoud
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mrinali Modi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Nirvan Bhattacharyya
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Leif G. Jahn
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kristi N. McPherson
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pearl Abue
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kanan Patel
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - David T. Allen
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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Willis MD, Cushing LJ, Buonocore JJ, Deziel NC, Casey JA. It's electric! An environmental equity perspective on the lifecycle of our energy sources. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e246. [PMID: 37064423 PMCID: PMC10097546 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy policy decisions are driven primarily by economic and reliability considerations, with limited consideration given to public health, environmental justice, and climate change. Moreover, epidemiologic studies relevant for public policy typically focus on immediate public health implications of activities related to energy procurement and generation, considering less so health equity or the longer-term health consequences of climate change attributable to an energy source. A more integrated, collective consideration of these three domains can provide more robust guidance to policymakers, communities, and individuals. Here, we illustrate how these domains can be evaluated with respect to natural gas as an energy source. Our process began with a detailed overview of all relevant steps in the process of extracting, producing, and consuming natural gas. We synthesized existing epidemiologic and complementary evidence of how these processes impact public health, environmental justice, and climate change. We conclude that, in certain domains, natural gas looks beneficial (e.g., economically for some), but when considered more expansively, through the life cycle of natural gas and joint lenses of public health, environmental justice, and climate change, natural gas is rendered an undesirable energy source in the United States. A holistic climate health equity framework can inform how we value and deploy different energy sources in the service of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Lara J. Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan J. Buonocore
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington
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Trickey KS, Chen Z, Sanghavi P. Hospitalisations for cardiovascular and respiratory disease among older adults living near unconventional natural gas development: a difference-in-differences analysis. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e187-e196. [PMID: 36889860 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During 2008-15, the Marcellus shale region of the US state of Pennsylvania experienced a boom in unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) or "fracking". However, despite much public debate, little is known about the effects of UNGD on population health in local communities. Among other mechanisms, air pollution from UNGD might affect individuals living nearby through cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and older adults could be particularly susceptible. METHODS To study the health impacts of Pennsylvania's fracking boom, we exploited the ban on UNGD in neighbouring New York state. Using 2002-15 Medicare claims, we conducted difference-in-differences analyses over multiple timepoints to estimate the risk of living near UNGD for hospitalisation with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke among older adults (aged ≥65 years). FINDINGS Pennsylvania ZIP codes that started UNGD in 2008-10 were associated with more hospitalisations for cardiovascular diseases in 2012-15 than would be expected in the absence of UNGD. Specifically, in 2015, we estimated an additional 11·8, 21·6, and 20·4 hospitalisations for AMI, heart failure, and ischaemic heart disease, respectively, per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries. Hospitalisations increased even as UNGD growth slowed. Results were robust in sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION Older adults living near UNGD could be at high risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes. Mitigation policies for existing UNGD might be needed to address current and future health risks. Future consideration of UNGD should prioritise local population health. FUNDING University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Trickey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zihan Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Prachi Sanghavi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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11
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Claustre L, Bouchard M, Gasparyan L, Bosson-Rieutort D, Owens-Beek N, Caron-Beaudoin É, Verner MA. Assessing gestational exposure to trace elements in an area of unconventional oil and gas activity: comparison with reference populations and evaluation of variability. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:94-101. [PMID: 36564511 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Located in Northeastern British Columbia, the Montney formation is an important area of unconventional oil and gas exploitation, which can release contaminants like trace elements. Gestational exposure to these contaminants may lead to deleterious developmental effects. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to (1) assess gestational exposure to trace elements in women living in this region through repeated urinary measurements; (2) compare urinary concentrations to those from North American reference populations; (3) compare urinary concentrations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants; and (4) evaluate inter- and intra-individual variability in urinary levels. METHODS Eighty-five pregnant women participating in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study provided daily spot urine samples over 7 consecutive days. Samples were analyzed for 20 trace elements using inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inter- and intra-individual variability in urinary levels was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation for each trace element. RESULTS When compared with those from North American reference populations, median urinary levels were higher in our population for barium (~2 times), cobalt (~3 times) and strontium (~2 times). The 95th percentile of reference populations was exceeded at least 1 time by a substantial percentage of participants during the sampling week for barium (58%), cobalt (73%), copper (29%), manganese (28%), selenium (38%), strontium (60%) and vanadium (100%). We observed higher urinary manganese concentrations in self-identified Indigenous participants (median: 0.19 µg/g creatinine) compared to non-Indigenous participants (median: 0.15 µg/g of creatinine). ICCs varied from 0.288 to 0.722, indicating poor to moderate reliability depending on the trace element. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that pregnant women living in this region may be more exposed to certain trace elements (barium, cobalt, copper, manganese, selenium, strontium, and vanadium), and that one urine spot sample could be insufficient to adequately characterize participants' exposure to certain trace elements. IMPACT STATEMENT Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) is an important industry in the Peace River Valley region (Northeastern British Columbia, Canada). Information on the impacts of this industry is limited, but recent literature emphasizes the risk of environmental contamination. The results presented in this paper highlight that pregnant women living near UOG wells in Northeastern British Columbia may be more exposed to some trace elements known to be related to this industry compared to reference populations. Furthermore, our results based on repeated urinary measurements show that one urine sample may be insufficient to adequately reflect long-term exposure to certain trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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 and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-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 and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - 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 and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Deartment of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, 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
- 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 and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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12
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Deziel NC, Clark CJ, Casey JA, Bell ML, Plata DL, Saiers JE. Assessing Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: Strengths, Challenges, and Implications for Epidemiologic Research. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:436-450. [PMID: 35522388 PMCID: PMC9363472 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiologic studies have observed elevated health risks in populations living near unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD). In this narrative review, we discuss strengths and limitations of UOG exposure assessment approaches used in or available for epidemiologic studies, emphasizing studies of children's health outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Exposure assessment challenges include (1) numerous potential stressors with distinct spatiotemporal patterns, (2) critical exposure windows that cover long periods and occur in the past, and (3) limited existing monitoring data coupled with the resource-intensiveness of collecting new exposure measurements to capture spatiotemporal variation. All epidemiologic studies used proximity-based models for exposure assessment as opposed to surveys, biomonitoring, or environmental measurements. Nearly all studies used aggregate (rather than pathway-specific) models, which are useful surrogates for the complex mix of potential hazards. Simple and less-specific exposure assessment approaches have benefits in terms of scalability, interpretability, and relevance to specific policy initiatives such as set-back distances. More detailed and specific models and metrics, including dispersion methods and stressor-specific models, could reduce exposure misclassification, illuminate underlying exposure pathways, and inform emission control and exposure mitigation strategies. While less practical in a large population, collection of multi-media environmental and biological exposure measurements would be feasible in cohort subsets. Such assessments are well-suited to provide insights into the presence and magnitude of exposures to UOG-related stressors in relation to spatial surrogates and to better elucidate the plausibility of observed effects in both children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 630 West 168th Street, Room 16-416, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Michelle L. Bell
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Desiree L. Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - James E. Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
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13
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Clark CJ, Johnson NP, Soriano M, Warren JL, Sorrentino KM, Kadan-Lottick NS, Saiers JE, Ma X, Deziel NC. Unconventional Oil and Gas Development Exposure and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case-Control Study in Pennsylvania, 2009-2017. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:87001. [PMID: 35975995 PMCID: PMC9383266 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) releases chemicals that have been linked to cancer and childhood leukemia. Studies of UOGD exposure and childhood leukemia are extremely limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate potential associations between residential proximity to UOGD and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia, in a large regional sample using UOGD-specific metrics, including a novel metric to represent the water pathway. METHODS We conducted a registry-based case-control study of 405 children ages 2-7 y diagnosed with ALL in Pennsylvania between 2009-2017, and 2,080 controls matched on birth year. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between residential proximity to UOGD (including a new water pathway-specific proximity metric) and ALL in two exposure windows: a primary window (3 months preconception to 1 y prior to diagnosis/reference date) and a perinatal window (preconception to birth). RESULTS Children with at least one UOG well within 2 km of their birth residence during the primary window had 1.98 times the odds of developing ALL in comparison with those with no UOG wells [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.69]. Children with at least one vs. no UOG wells within 2 km during the perinatal window had 2.80 times the odds of developing ALL (95% CI: 1.11, 7.05). These relationships were slightly attenuated after adjusting for maternal race and socio-economic status [odds ratio (OR) = 1.74 (95% CI: 0.93, 3.27) and OR = 2.35 (95% CI: 0.93, 5.95)], respectively). The ORs produced by models using the water pathway-specific metric were similar in magnitude to the aggregate metric. DISCUSSION Our study including a novel UOGD metric found UOGD to be a risk factor for childhood ALL. This work adds to mounting evidence of UOGD's impacts on children's health, providing additional support for limiting UOGD near residences. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nicholaus P. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mario Soriano
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Keli M. Sorrentino
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nina S. Kadan-Lottick
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James E. Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Shaheen SW, Wen T, Herman A, Brantley SL. Geochemical Evidence of Potential Groundwater Contamination with Human Health Risks Where Hydraulic Fracturing Overlaps with Extensive Legacy Hydrocarbon Extraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10010-10019. [PMID: 35767873 PMCID: PMC9302435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) sometimes impacts water resources, including incidents of methane (CH4) migration from compromised wells and spills that degrade water with salts, organics, and metals. We hypothesized that contamination may be more common where UOGD overlaps with legacy coal, oil, and gas extraction. We tested this hypothesis on ∼7000 groundwater analyses from the largest U.S. shale gas play (Marcellus), using data mining techniques to explore UOGD contamination frequency. Corroborating the hypothesis, we discovered small, statistically significant regional correlations between groundwater chloride concentrations ([Cl]) and UOGD proximity and density where legacy extraction was extremely dense (southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA)) but no such correlations where it was minimal (northeastern Pennsylvania). On the other hand, legacy extraction of shallow gas in SWPA may have lessened today's gas leakage, as no regional correlation was detected for [CH4] in SWPA. We identify hotspots where [Cl] and [CH4] increase by 3.6 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively, per UOG well drilled in SWPA. If the [Cl] correlations document contamination via brines leaked from wellbores, impoundments, or spills, we calculate that thallium concentrations could exceed EPA limits in the most densely developed hotspots, thus posing a potential human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W. Shaheen
- Department
of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Tao Wen
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Syracuse
University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Alison Herman
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania
State University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Susan L. Brantley
- Department
of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania
State University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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15
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Cairncross ZF, Couloigner I, Ryan MC, McMorris C, Muehlenbachs L, Nikolaou N, Wong RCK, Hawkins SM, Bertazzon S, Cabaj J, Metcalfe A. Association Between Residential Proximity to Hydraulic Fracturing Sites and Adverse Birth Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:585-592. [PMID: 35377398 PMCID: PMC8981068 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between hydraulic fracturing and human development is not well understood. Several studies have identified significant associations between unconventional natural gas development and adverse birth outcomes; however, geology and legislation vary between regions. OBJECTIVE To examine the overall association between residential proximity to hydraulic fracturing sites and adverse birth outcomes, and investigate whether well density influenced this association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals in rural Alberta, Canada, took place from 2013 to 2018. Participants included reproductive-aged individuals (18-50 years) who had a pregnancy from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, and lived in rural areas. Individuals were excluded if they lived in an urban setting, were outside of the age range, or were missing data on infant sex, postal code, or area-level socioeconomic status. EXPOSURES Oil and gas wells that underwent hydraulic fracturing between 2013 to 2018 were identified through the Alberta Energy Regulator (n = 4871). Individuals were considered exposed if their postal delivery point was located within 10 km of 1 or more wells that was hydraulically fractured during 1 year preconception or during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes investigated were spontaneous and indicated preterm birth, small for gestational age, major congenital anomalies, and severe neonatal morbidity or mortality. RESULTS After exclusions, the sample included 26 193 individuals with 34 873 unique pregnancies, and a mean (SD) parental age of 28.2 (5.2) years. Small for gestational age and major congenital anomalies were significantly higher for individuals who lived within 10 km of at least 1 hydraulically fractured well after adjusting for parental age at delivery, multiple births, fetal sex, obstetric comorbidities, and area-level socioeconomic status. Risk of spontaneous preterm birth and small for gestational age were significantly increased in those with 100 or more wells within 10 km. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results suggest that individuals who were exposed to hydraulic fracturing within pregnancy may be at higher risk of several adverse birth outcomes. These results may be relevant to health policy regarding legislation of unconventional oil and gas development in Canada and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe F. Cairncross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isabelle Couloigner
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Nickie Nikolaou
- Faculty of Law, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ron Chik-Kwong Wong
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stefania Bertazzon
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason Cabaj
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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16
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Calderon JL, Sorensen C, Lemery J, Workman CF, Linstadt H, Bazilian MD. Managing upstream oil and gas emissions: A public health oriented approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 310:114766. [PMID: 35228168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114766] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oil and natural gas are the largest primary global energy sources, and upstream gas emissions from these fuels can impact global climate change and local public health. This paper employs a public health-oriented perspective that reviews grey and academic literature, industry data, technical reports, and policy trends to highlight issues of emissions monitoring. We identify gaps in the existing landscape of emissions reduction strategies and highlight options for addressing them. Policy recommendations include the use of new digital monitoring technologies to better understand causes of emission events, to create data-driven oil and gas regulations, and to begin accurately measuring the volumes of gases released during oil and gas production. Areas for future research relating to emissions and public health impacts are outlined to further enable oil and gas policy discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Calderon
- The Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines, 816 15th St, Golden, CO, USA.
| | - C Sorensen
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Lemery
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C F Workman
- The Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines, 816 15th St, Golden, CO, USA
| | - H Linstadt
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M D Bazilian
- The Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines, 816 15th St, Golden, CO, USA
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17
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Proximity and density of unconventional natural gas wells and mental illness and substance use among pregnant individuals: An exploratory study in Canada. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113962. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Plante I, Winn LM, Vaillancourt C, Grigorova P, Parent L. Killing two birds with one stone: Pregnancy is a sensitive window for endocrine effects on both the mother and the fetus. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112435. [PMID: 34843719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex process requiring tremendous physiological changes in the mother in order to fulfill the needs of the growing fetus, and to give birth, expel the placenta and nurse the newborn. These physiological modifications are accompanied with psychological changes, as well as with variations in habits and behaviors. As a result, this period of life is considered as a sensitive window as impaired functional and physiological changes in the mother can have short- and long-term impacts on her health. In addition, dysregulation of the placenta and of mechanisms governing placentation have been linked to chronic diseases later-on in life for the fetus, in a concept known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). This concept stipulates that any change in the environment during the pre-conception and perinatal (in utero life and neonatal) period to puberty, can be "imprinted" in the organism, thereby impacting the health and risk of chronic diseases later in life. Pregnancy is a succession of events that is regulated, in large part, by hormones and growth factors. Therefore, small changes in hormonal balance can have important effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) affect both the mother and the fetus giving rise to growing concerns surrounding these exposures. This review will give an overview of changes that happen during pregnancy with respect to the mother, the placenta, and the fetus, and of the current literature regarding the effects of EDCs during this specific sensitive window of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plante
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, School of Environmental Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Petya Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
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19
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Oghenetega OB, Okunlola MA, Ana GREE, Morhason-Bello O, Ojengbede OA. Exposure to oil pollution and maternal outcomes: The Niger Delta prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263495. [PMID: 35235569 PMCID: PMC9090450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to oil pollution is an important public health concern. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effects of maternal exposure to oil pollution on maternal outcomes in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to determine the effect of maternal exposure to oil pollution on maternal outcomes in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. METHODS Prospective cohort study design involving 1720 pregnant women followed from pregnancy to delivery was conducted. The participants were 18-45 years old at a gestational age of less than 17 weeks, who attended randomly selected health facilities in the areas with high exposure and low exposure to oil pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and review of medical records from April 2018 to April 2019. Multivariate log-binomial model was used to examine the effect of maternal exposure to oil pollution on the risk of adverse maternal outcomes adjusting for sociodemographic, maternal and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS A total of 1418 women completed the follow-up and were included in the analysis. Women in high exposure areas had a higher incidence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM), caesarean section (CS) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) compared to women in areas with low exposure to oil pollution. After adjusting for cofounders, women in high exposure areas also had a higher risk of PROM (ARR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.24-3.10) and PPH (ARR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.28-3.36) in Model I-III when compared to women in areas with low exposure to oil pollution. However, pregnancy-induced hypertension and CS had no association with maternal exposure area status to oil pollution. CONCLUSION Women in high exposure areas are at a higher risk of PROM and PPH. This calls for policies and intervention toward reducing maternal exposure to oil pollution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onome B. Oghenetega
- Reproductive Health Science, Pan African University, Institute of Life
and Earth Sciences (Including Health and Agriculture), University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Michael A. Okunlola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Godson R. E. E. Ana
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University
of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oludare Morhason-Bello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oladosu A. Ojengbede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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20
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Residential proximity to hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells and adverse birth outcomes in urban and rural communities in California (2006-2015). Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e172. [PMID: 34909552 PMCID: PMC8663888 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Prenatal exposure to hydraulic fracturing (HF), a chemically intensive oil and gas extraction method, may be associated with adverse birth outcomes, but no health studies have been conducted in California. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 979,961 births to mothers in eight California counties with HF between 2006 and 2015. Exposed individuals had at least 1 well hydraulically fractured within 1 km of their residence during pregnancy; the reference population had no wells within 1 km, but at least one oil/gas well within 10 km. We examined associations between HF and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age birth (SGA), and term birth weight (tBW) using generalized estimating equations and assessing urban-rural effect modification in stratified models. Results: Fewer than 1% of mothers (N = 1,192) were exposed to HF during pregnancy. Among rural mothers, HF exposure was associated with increased odds of LBW (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 2.75), SGA (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.42, 2.27) and PTB (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 0.64, 2.12), and lower tBW (mean difference: –73 g; 95% CI = –131, –15). Among urban mothers, HF exposure was positively associated with SGA (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.55), inversely associated with LBW (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.63, 1.07) and PTB (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.87), and not associated with tBW (mean difference: –2 g; 95% CI = –35, 31). Conclusion: HF proximity was associated with adverse birth outcomes, particularly among rural Californians.
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Erickson CL, Barron IG, Zapata I. The effects of hydraulic fracturing activities on birth outcomes are evident in a non-individualized county-wide aggregate data sample from Colorado. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619860 PMCID: PMC8859723 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is growing concern about the recent increase in oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing. Studies linking adverse birth outcomes and maternal proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells exist but tend to use individualized maternal and infant data contained in protected health care records. In this study, we extended the findings of these past studies to evaluate if analogous effects detected with individualized data could be detected from non-individualized county-wide aggregated data. Design and methods: This study used a retrospective cohort of 252,502 birth records from 1999 to 2019 gathered from a subset sample of 5 counties in the state of Colorado where hydraulic fracturing activities were conducted. We used Generalized Linear Models to evaluate the effect of county-wide well density and production data over unidentified birth weight, and prematurity data. Covariates used in the model were county-wide statistics sourced from the US Census. Results: Our modeling approach showed an interesting effect where hydraulic fracturing exposure metrics have a mixed effect directional response. This effect was detected on birth weight when well density, production and their interaction are accounted for. The interaction effect provides an additional interpretation to discrepancies reported previously in the literature. Our approach only detected a positive association to prematurity with increased production. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate two main points: First, the effect of hydraulic fracturing is detectable by using countywide unidentified data. Second, the effect of hydraulic fracturing can be complicated by the number of operations and the intensity of the activities in the area. Significance for public health The proliferation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production has led to an increase in interest in the public health impact of this industry. Research in this field can be complicated due to data accessibility and concerns of privacy violations. In this study we focus on the assessment of maternal health outcomes while considering data privacy. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the potential of using non-individualized, county-wide data to detect the effects of hydraulic fracturing activities on birth outcomes. This goal was achieved by using county-wide exposure metrics of hydraulic fracturing well density and production and by adjusting to known demographic covariates sourced from Census data. Our study provides and alternate approach to evaluate health effects of hydraulic fracturing activities and provides additional evidence highlighting the complicated effects associations that should be considered in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ileana G Barron
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL .
| | - Isain Zapata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO.
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22
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Berger F, Blum P. Who owns the German subsurface? Ownership and sustainable governance of the subsurface in Germany. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 24:2962-2981. [PMID: 34305444 PMCID: PMC8285680 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01530-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In 1980, the Federal Mining Act was introduced to govern the use of the German subsurface. By paying royalties, companies can get permission to exploit resources. Yet, there is no official report breaking down the payments for hydrocarbons and lignite, in particular regarding the effectively levied fees. Hence, the objective of this study is to provide an overview of the ownership and paid royalties, and to discuss the sustainable use and management of the German subsurface in the face of ecological, social, and economic impacts of resource exploitation. Our analysis shows that the subsurface is partly state- and partly company-owned. Lignite is almost exclusively privately owned by two companies. In contrast, hydrocarbons are predominantly state-owned. In 2017, on average 13% was paid in royalties for gas and 11% for petroleum. These royalties have minor impact on state budgets. For instance, in the concerned state of Lower Saxony, the levies amount to 189 million € or 0.6% of the state budget. Thus, the state income from royalties is low. However, local communities and property owners have no financial benefits. Finally, to obtain a more sustainable use of subsurface, the current Federal Mining Act must be adapted to account for environmental and social impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Berger
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philipp Blum
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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23
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Willis MD, Hill EL, Boslett A, Kile ML, Carozza SE, Hystad P. Associations between Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Drilling and Term Birth Weight and Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants in Texas: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77002. [PMID: 34287013 PMCID: PMC8293911 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and natural gas extraction may produce environmental pollution at levels that affect reproductive health of nearby populations. Available studies have primarily focused on unconventional gas drilling and have not accounted for local population changes that can coincide with drilling activity. OBJECTIVE Our study sought to examine associations between residential proximity to oil and gas drilling and adverse term birth outcomes using a difference-in-differences study design. METHODS We created a retrospective population-based term birth cohort in Texas between 1996 and 2009 composed of mother-infant dyads (n=2,598,025) living <10km from an oil or gas site. We implemented a difference-in-differences approach to estimate associations between drilling activities and infant health: term birth weight and term small for gestational age (SGA). Using linear and logistic regression, we modeled interactions between births before (unexposed) or during (exposed) drilling activity and residential proximity near (0-1, 1-2, or 2-3km) or far (3-10km) from an active or future drilling site, adjusting for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics. RESULTS The adjusted mean difference in term birth weight for mothers living 0-1 vs. 3-10km from a current or future drilling site was -7.3g [95% confidence interval (CI): -11.6, -3.0] for births during active vs. future drilling. The corresponding adjusted odds ratio for SGA was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.06). Negative associations with term birth weight were observed for the 1-2 and 2-3km near groups, and no consistent differences were identified by type of drilling activity. Larger, though imprecise, adverse associations were found for infants born to Hispanic women, women with the lowest educational attainment, and women living in cities. CONCLUSIONS Residing near oil and gas drilling sites during pregnancy was associated with a small reduction in term birth weight but not SGA, with some evidence of environmental injustices. Additional work is needed to investigate specific drilling-related exposures that might explain these associations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elaine L Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Boslett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Rochester Data Science Consortium, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Susan E Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Abstract
Ambient air pollution is produced by sources including vehicular traffic, coal-fired power plants, hydraulic fracturing, agricultural production, and forest fires. It consists of primary pollutants generated by combustion and secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases. Air pollution causes and exacerbates climate change, and climate change worsens health effects of air pollution. Infants and children are uniquely sensitive to air pollution, because their organs are developing and they have higher air per body weight intake. Health effects linked to air pollution include not only exacerbations of respiratory diseases but also reduced lung function development and increased asthma incidence. Additional outcomes of concern include preterm birth, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders, IQ loss, pediatric cancers, and increased risks for adult chronic diseases. These effects are mediated by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms across the life span. Natural experiments demonstrate that with initiatives such as increased use of public transportation, both air quality and community health improve. Similarly, the Clean Air Act has improved air quality, although exposure inequities persist. Other effective strategies for reducing air pollution include ending reliance on coal, oil, and gas; regulating industrial emissions; reducing exposure with attention to proximity of residences, schools, and child care facilities to traffic; and a greater awareness of the Air Quality Index. This policy reviews both short- and long-term health consequences of ambient air pollution, especially in relation to developmental exposures. It examines individual, community, and legislative strategies to mitigate air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Brumberg
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; and
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Padmanabhan V, Song W, Puttabyatappa M. Praegnatio Perturbatio-Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:295-353. [PMID: 33388776 PMCID: PMC8152448 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight is considerable across the world. Several risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes have been identified. One risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes receiving considerable attention in recent years is gestational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Humans are exposed to a multitude of environmental chemicals with known endocrine-disrupting properties, and evidence suggests exposure to these EDCs have the potential to disrupt the maternal-fetal environment culminating in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. This review addresses the impact of maternal and fetal exposure to environmental EDCs of natural and man-made chemicals in disrupting the maternal-fetal milieu in human leading to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes-a risk factor for adult-onset noncommunicable diseases, the role lifestyle and environmental factors play in mitigating or amplifying the effects of EDCs, the underlying mechanisms and mediators involved, and the research directions on which to focus future investigations to help alleviate the adverse effects of EDC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenhui Song
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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26
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Padmanabhan V, Moeller J, Puttabyatappa M. Impact of gestational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals on pregnancy and birth outcomes. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:279-346. [PMID: 34452689 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With the advent of industrialization, humans are exposed to a wide range of environmental chemicals, many with endocrine disrupting potential. As successful maintenance of pregnancy and fetal development are under tight hormonal control, the gestational exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) have the potential to adversely affect the maternal milieu and support to the fetus, fetal developmental trajectory and birth outcomes. This chapter summarizes the impact of exposure to EDCs both individually and as mixtures during pregnancy, the immediate and long-term consequences of such exposures on the mother and fetus, the direct and indirect mechanisms through which they elicit their effects, factors that modify their action, and the research directions to focus future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Moeller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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27
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Whitworth KW, Bosson-Rieutort D, Wendling G, Liu S, Verner MA. Density and proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells and birth outcomes in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:53-61. [PMID: 32651474 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-0245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing, a method used in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) to extract natural gas, can release contaminants with potential deleterious health effects on fetal development. To date, the association between hydraulic fracturing activity and birth outcomes has not been evaluated in this region. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between the hydraulic fracturing well density/proximity and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)). METHODS We used birth records from the Fort St John hospital between December 30, 2006 and December 29, 2016 (n = 6333 births). To estimate gestational exposure, we used inverse distance weighting (IDW) to calculate the density/proximity of hydraulic fracturing wells to pregnant women's postal code centroid. For each birth, we calculated three IDWs using 2.5, 5, and 10 km buffer zones around women's postal code centroid. We used linear and logistic regressions to evaluate associations between quartiles of postal code well density/proximity and birth outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS No associations were found between postal code well density/proximity and head circumference or SGA. A negative association was found between postal code well density/proximity and birthweight for infants born to women in the 2nd quartile of the 10 km buffer (β [95% confidence interval (CI)]: -47.28 g [-84.30; -10.25]), and in the 2nd (β [95% CI]: -40.87 g [-78.01; -3.73]) and 3rd (β [95% CI]: -42.01 g [-79.15; -4.87]) quartiles of the 5 km buffer. Increased odds of preterm birth were observed among women in the 2nd quartile of the 2.5 km buffer (odds ratio (OR) [95% CI]: 1.60 [1.30; 2.43]). CONCLUSIONS This is the first epidemiological study in Northeastern British Columbia evaluating associations between hydraulic fracturing and health outcomes. Our results show inconsistent patterns of association between hydraulic fracturing, preterm birth and reduced birthweight, and effect estimates did not match expected dose-response relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Avenue, Research Pavilion, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Population Sciences Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation (DGEPS), School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, H3N 1×9, Montreal, QC, Canada
- National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESS), Information Management Team, 202 Avenue Union, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Wendling
- GW Solutions, Inc., 201-5180 Dublin Way, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Suyang Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
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Kassotis CD, Harkness JS, Vo PH, Vu DC, Hoffman K, Cinnamon KM, Cornelius-Green JN, Vengosh A, Lin CH, Tillitt DE, Kruse RL, McElroy JA, Nagel SC. Endocrine disrupting activities and geochemistry of water resources associated with unconventional oil and gas activity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:142236. [PMID: 33039138 PMCID: PMC7772064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The rise of hydraulic fracturing and unconventional oil and gas (UOG) exploration in the United States has increased public concerns for water contamination induced from hydraulic fracturing fluids and associated wastewater spills. Herein, we collected surface and groundwater samples across Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, and measured endocrine bioactivities, geochemical tracers of UOG wastewater, UOG-related organic contaminants in surface water, and evaluated UOG drilling production (weighted well scores, nearby well count, reported spills) surrounding sites. Elevated antagonist activities for the estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors were detected in surface water and associated with nearby shale gas well counts and density. The elevated endocrine activities were observed in surface water associated with medium and high UOG production (weighted UOG well score-based groups). These bioactivities were generally not associated with reported spills nearby, and often did not exhibit geochemical profiles associated with UOG wastewater from this region. Our results suggest the potential for releases of low-saline hydraulic fracturing fluids or chemicals used in other aspects of UOG production, similar to the chemistry of the local water, and dissimilar from defined spills of post-injection wastewater. Notably, water collected from certain medium and high UOG production sites exhibited bioactivities well above the levels known to impact the health of aquatic organisms, suggesting that further research to assess potential endocrine activities of UOG operations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer S Harkness
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Danh C Vu
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Katelyn M Cinnamon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Robin L Kruse
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jane A McElroy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Chen S, Zhang Q, Andrews-Speed P, Mclellan B. Quantitative assessment of the environmental risks of geothermal energy: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111287. [PMID: 32877889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Over recent decades, the use of geothermal energy for heating supply and power generation has increased significantly across the world, owing to its low carbon emissions. However, a series of emerging environmental risks from geothermal energy development and operation have been drawing increasing attention from governments and the publics. In this context, the present study provides an overview of methods for quantitatively assessing the environmental risks of geothermal energy. These include seismic hazards, human health, ecological damage and economic loss. The constraints on constructing assessment frameworks are also discussed. Furthermore, a preliminary concept for an integrated framework is proposed to assess environmental risks of geothermal energy comprehensively from multiple perspectives. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of the proposed framework, a data-sharing platform needs to be built to develop multi-disciplinary modeling further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Chen
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Changping, Beijing, 102249, China; Academy of Chinese Energy Strategy, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Changping, Beijing, 102249, China; Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore, 119620, Singapore
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Changping, Beijing, 102249, China; Academy of Chinese Energy Strategy, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Changping, Beijing, 102249, China.
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30
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Blinn HN, Utz RM, Greiner LH, Brown DR. Exposure assessment of adults living near unconventional oil and natural gas development and reported health symptoms in southwest Pennsylvania, USA. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237325. [PMID: 32810134 PMCID: PMC7446921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has shown relationships between health outcomes and residence proximity to unconventional oil and natural gas development (UOGD). The challenge of connecting health outcomes to environmental stressors requires ongoing research with new methodological approaches. We investigated UOGD density and well emissions and their association with symptom reporting by residents of southwest Pennsylvania. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 104 unique, de-identified health assessments completed from 2012-2017 by residents living in proximity to UOGD. A novel approach to comparing estimates of exposure was taken. Generalized linear modeling was used to ascertain the relationship between symptom counts and estimated UOGD exposure, while Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) was used to identify associations between individual symptoms and estimated UOGD exposure. We used three estimates of exposure: cumulative well density (CWD), inverse distance weighting (IDW) of wells, and annual emission concentrations (AEC) from wells within 5 km of respondents' homes. Taking well emissions reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, an air dispersion and screening model was used to estimate an emissions concentration at residences. When controlling for age, sex, and smoker status, each exposure estimate predicted total number of reported symptoms (CWD, p<0.001; IDW, p<0.001; AEC, p<0.05). Akaike information criterion values revealed that CWD was the better predictor of adverse health symptoms in our sample. Two groups of symptoms (i.e., eyes, ears, nose, throat; neurological and muscular) constituted 50% of reported symptoms across exposures, suggesting these groupings of symptoms may be more likely reported by respondents when UOGD intensity increases. Our results do not confirm that UOGD was the direct cause of the reported symptoms but raise concern about the growing number of wells around residential areas. Our approach presents a novel method of quantifying exposures and relating them to reported health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Blinn
- Falk School of Sustainability, Chatham University, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Utz
- Falk School of Sustainability, Chatham University, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lydia H. Greiner
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David R. Brown
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Nagel SC, Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Lawrence BP, Robert J, Balise VD. Developmental exposure to a mixture of unconventional oil and gas chemicals: A review of experimental effects on adult health, behavior, and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110722. [PMID: 32147523 PMCID: PMC7539678 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction (UOG) combines directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing and produces billions of liters of wastewater per year. Herein, we review experimental studies that evaluated the potential endocrine-mediated health impacts of exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG chemicals commonly found in wastewater. The purpose of this manuscript is to synthesize and summarize a body of work using the same UOG-mix but with different model systems and physiological endpoints in multiple experiments. The studies reviewed were conducted in laboratory animals (mice or tadpoles) and human tissue culture cells. A key feature of the in vivo studies was the use of four environmentally relevant doses spanning three orders of magnitude ranging from concentrations found in surface and ground water in UOG dense areas to concentrations found in UOG wastewater. This UOG-mix exhibited potent antagonist activity for the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and thyroid receptors in human tissue culture cells. Subsequently, pregnant mice were administered the UOG-mix in drinking water and offspring were examined in adulthood or to tadpoles. Developmental exposure profoundly impacted pituitary hormone concentrations, reduced sperm counts, altered folliculogenesis, and increased mammary gland ductal density and preneoplastic lesions in mice. It also altered energy expenditure, exploratory and risk-taking behavior, the immune system in three immune models in mice, and affected basal and antiviral immunity in frogs. These findings highlight the diverse systems affected by developmental EDC exposure and the need to examine human and animal health in UOG regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, DC051.00 One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - C D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - L N Vandenberg
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 171C Goessmann, 686 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - B P Lawrence
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - J Robert
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - V D Balise
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Gonzalez DJX, Sherris AR, Yang W, Stevenson DK, Padula AM, Baiocchi M, Burke M, Cullen MR, Shaw GM. Oil and gas production and spontaneous preterm birth in the San Joaquin Valley, CA: A case-control study. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4:e099. [PMID: 32832838 PMCID: PMC7423522 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies report an association between preterm birth and exposure to unconventional oil and gas wells. There has been limited previous study on exposure to conventional wells, which are common in California. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to well sites was associated with increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth (delivery at <37 weeks). METHODS We conducted a case-control study using data on 27,913 preterm birth cases and 197,461 term birth controls. All births were without maternal comorbidities and were located in the San Joaquin Valley, CA, between 1998 and 2011. We obtained data for 83,559 wells in preproduction or production during the study period. We assessed exposure using inverse distance-squared weighting and, for each birth and trimester, we assigned an exposure tertile. Using logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between exposure to well sites and preterm birth at 20-27, 28-31, and 32-36 weeks. RESULTS We observed increased ORs for preterm birth with high exposure to wells in the first and second trimesters for births delivered at ≤31 weeks (adjusted ORs, 1.08-1.14). In stratified analyses, the associations were confined to births to Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women and to women with ≤12 years of educational attainment. In a secondary analysis, we found evidence that exposure to wells in preproduction is associated with higher concentrations of particulate matter. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that exposure to oil and gas well sites is associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J X Gonzalez
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Allison R Sherris
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Amy M Padula
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Marshall Burke
- Department of Earth System Science, School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mark R Cullen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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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: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest exposure to oil and gas development (OGD) adversely affects birth outcomes, but no studies have examined flaring-the open combustion of natural gas-from OGD. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether residential proximity to flaring from OGD was associated with shorter gestation and reduced fetal growth in the Eagle Ford Shale of south Texas. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative birth records from 2012 to 2015 (N=23,487) and satellite observations of flaring activity during pregnancy within 5km of maternal residence. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to estimate associations between four outcomes (preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, continuous gestational age, and term birthweight) and exposure to a low (1-9) or high (≥10) number of nightly flare events, as compared with no exposure, while controlling for known maternal risk factors. We also examined associations with the number of oil and gas wells within 5km using data from DrillingInfo (now Enverus). RESULTS Exposure to a high number of nightly flare events was associated with a 50% higher odds of preterm birth [odds ratio (OR)=1.50 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.83)] and shorter gestation [mean difference=-1.9 (95% CI: -2.8, -0.9) d] compared with no exposure. Effect estimates were slightly reduced after adjustment for the number of wells within 5km. In stratified models these associations were present only among Hispanic women. Flaring and fetal growth outcomes were not significantly associated. Women exposed to a high number of wells (fourth quartile, ≥27) vs. no wells within 5km had a higher odds of preterm birth [OR=1.31 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.49)], shorter gestation [-1.3 (95% CI: -1.9, -0.8) d], and lower average birthweight [-19.4 (95% CI: -36.7, -2.0) g]. DISCUSSION Our study suggests exposure to flaring from OGD is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Our findings need to be confirmed in other populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6394.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kate Vavra-Musser
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Khang Chau
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Oghenetega OB, Ana GREE, Okunlola MA, Ojengbede OA. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death in an oil-polluted region of the Niger Delta, Nigeria: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 150:361-367. [PMID: 32503082 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between oil pollution and miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of pregnant women (aged 18-45 years) who attended selected health facilities in regions with high and low exposure to oil pollution from May 14, 2018, to September 27, 2018. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select a representative of women with high and low exposure to oil pollution. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to adjust for confounding factors of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. RESULTS In total, 1564 pregnant women were included in the study. Women with high exposure to oil pollution were more likely to experience stillbirth (odds ratio [OR] 1.806; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.177-2.770) and infant death (OR 2.162; 95% CI 1.409-3.317). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, only infant death was associated with high exposure (adjusted OR 1.843; 95% CI 1.146-2.962). No association was found between miscarriage and high exposure to oil pollution. CONCLUSION Women with high exposure to oil pollution are at higher risk of infant death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onome B Oghenetega
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institutes, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Godson R E E Ana
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Michael A Okunlola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oladosu A Ojengbede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Watterson A, Dinan W. Lagging and Flagging: Air Pollution, Shale Gas Exploration and the Interaction of Policy, Science, Ethics and Environmental Justice in England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4320. [PMID: 32560334 PMCID: PMC7344855 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The science on the effects of global climate change and air pollution on morbidity and mortality is clear and debate now centres around the scale and precise contributions of particular pollutants. Sufficient data existed in recent decades to support the adoption of precautionary public health policies relating to fossil fuels including shale exploration. Yet air quality and related public health impacts linked to ethical and environmental justice elements are often marginalized or missing in planning and associated decision making. Industry and government policies and practices, laws and planning regulations lagged well behind the science in the United Kingdom. This paper explores the reasons for this and what shaped some of those policies. Why did shale gas policies in England fail to fully address public health priorities and neglect ethical and environmental justice concerns. To answer this question, an interdisciplinary analysis is needed informed by a theoretical framework of how air pollution and climate change are largely discounted in the complex realpolitik of policy and regulation for shale gas development in England. Sources, including official government, regulatory and planning documents, as well as industry and scientific publications are examined and benchmarked against the science and ethical and environmental justice criteria. Further, our typology illustrates how the process works drawing on an analysis of official policy documents and statements on planning and regulatory oversight of shale exploration in England, and material from industry and their consultants relating to proposed shale oil and gas development. Currently the oil, gas and chemical industries in England continue to dominate and influence energy and feedstock-related policy making to the detriment of ethical and environmental justice decision making with significant consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Watterson
- Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - William Dinan
- Communications, Media & Culture, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK;
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Tran KV, Casey JA, Cushing LJ, Morello-Frosch R. Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Development and Birth Outcomes in California: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 2006-2015 Births. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:67001. [PMID: 32490702 PMCID: PMC7268907 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest associations between oil and gas development (OGD) and adverse birth outcomes, but few epidemiological studies of oil wells or inactive wells exist, and none in California. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between residential proximity to OGD and birth outcomes in California. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,918,089 births to mothers living within 10 km of at least one production well between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. We estimated exposure during pregnancy to inactive wells count (no inactive wells, 1 well, 2-5 wells, 6+ wells) and production volume from active wells in barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) (no BOE, 1-100 BOE/day, >100 BOE/day). We used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between overall and trimester-specific OGD exposures and term birth weight (tBW), low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age birth (SGA). We assessed effect modification by urban/rural community type. RESULTS Adjusted models showed exposure to active OGD was associated with adverse birth outcomes in rural areas; effect estimates in urban areas were close to null. In rural areas, increasing production volume was associated with stronger adverse effect estimates. High (>100 BOE/day) vs. no production throughout pregnancy was associated with increased odds of LBW [odds ratio (OR)=1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.71] and SGA (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.45), and decreased tBW (mean difference = -36 grams, 95% CI: -54, -17), but not with PTB (OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.18). CONCLUSION Proximity to higher production OGD in California was associated with adverse birth outcomes among mothers residing in rural areas. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings in other populations and improve exposure assessment measures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5842.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy V Tran
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Trickey K, Hadjimichael N, Sanghavi P. Public reporting of hydraulic fracturing chemicals in the USA, 2011-18: a before and after comparison of reporting formats. Lancet Planet Health 2020; 4:e178-e185. [PMID: 32442493 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing often involves the injection of millions of gallons of fracturing fluids into underground shales to extract oil and natural gas, raising health concerns over potential water contamination. Many state and federal governmental agencies rely on the third-party FracFocus online registry for disclosure of chemical ingredients in fracturing fluids, but withholding chemicals as trade secrets is common. In 2016, a new format, known as the systems approach was widely encouraged as a method of reducing withholding by decoupling disclosed chemicals from their functions, protecting against reverse-engineering of fracture fluid formulas by competitors. In this study, we assess the extent to which elevated use of the systems approach in FracFocus version 3.0 translated into greater chemical disclosure. METHODS We analysed 108 137 disclosure forms submitted to FracFocus between Jan 1, 2011, and Dec 31, 2018, to estimate the effect of expanded use of the systems approach on chemical withholding. We compared the proportion of forms withholding at least one chemical ingredient across time, between approaches, and by state and drilling operator. FINDINGS Since the 2016 expansion of the systems approach, 15 677 (82%) of systems approach forms have withheld an ingredient. 13 462 (89%) of 15 062 traditional FracFocus version 3.0 forms withheld an ingredient. In the quarter following the transition (July, to September, 2016), 1211 (93%) of 1304 traditional forms withheld an ingredient, compared with only 958 (76%) of 1262 systems approach forms. However, withholding rates increased throughout 2017 and, by 2018, 6949 (87%) of 8016 systems approach forms were withholding ingredients. At the end of our analysis period in the fourth quarter of 2018, systems approach forms had even greater withholding (903 [88%] of 1025 forms) than did traditional forms (855 [85%] of 1004 forms). We did not find that states or operators that submitted more systems approach forms had lower withholding. INTERPRETATION The systems approach has not reduced FracFocus chemical withholding, which continues to occur in around 87% of well fracture disclosures. FracFocus might not be an appropriate substitute for regulatory action, and measures are urgently needed for environmental and public safety. FUNDING University of Chicago Argonne National Laboratory Seed Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Trickey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas Hadjimichael
- University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Prachi Sanghavi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Wollin KM, Damm G, Foth H, Freyberger A, Gebel T, Mangerich A, Gundert-Remy U, Partosch F, Röhl C, Schupp T, Hengstler JG. Critical evaluation of human health risks due to hydraulic fracturing in natural gas and petroleum production. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:967-1016. [PMID: 32385535 PMCID: PMC7225182 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to extract oil and natural gas has increased, along with intensive discussions on the associated risks to human health. Three technical processes should be differentiated when evaluating human health risks, namely (1) drilling of the borehole, (2) hydraulic stimulation, and (3) gas or oil production. During the drilling phase, emissions such as NOx, NMVOCs (non-methane volatile organic compounds) as precursors for tropospheric ozone formation, and SOx have been shown to be higher compared to the subsequent phases. In relation to hydraulic stimulation, the toxicity of frac fluids is of relevance. More than 1100 compounds have been identified as components. A trend is to use fewer, less hazardous and more biodegradable substances; however, the use of hydrocarbons, such as kerosene and diesel, is still allowed in the USA. Methane in drinking water is of low toxicological relevance but may indicate inadequate integrity of the gas well. There is a great concern regarding the contamination of ground- and surface water during the production phase. Water that flows to the surface from oil and gas wells, so-called 'produced water', represents a mixture of flow-back, the injected frac fluid returning to the surface, and the reservoir water present in natural oil and gas deposits. Among numerous hazardous compounds, produced water may contain bromide, arsenic, strontium, mercury, barium, radioactive isotopes and organic compounds, particularly benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). The sewage outflow, even from specialized treatment plants, may still contain critical concentrations of barium, strontium and arsenic. Evidence suggests that the quality of groundwater and surface water may be compromised by disposal of produced water. Particularly critical is the use of produced water for watering of agricultural areas, where persistent compounds may accumulate. Air contamination can occur as a result of several HF-associated activities. In addition to BTEX, 20 HF-associated air contaminants are group 1A or 1B carcinogens according to the IARC. In the U.S., oil and gas production (including conventional production) represents the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions. High-quality epidemiological studies are required, especially in light of recent observations of an association between childhood leukemia and multiple myeloma in the neighborhood of oil and gas production sites. In conclusion, (1) strong evidence supports the conclusion that frac fluids can lead to local environmental contamination; (2) while changes in the chemical composition of soil, water and air are likely to occur, the increased levels are still often below threshold values for safety; (3) point source pollution due to poor maintenance of wells and pipelines can be monitored and remedied; (4) risk assessment should be based on both hazard and exposure evaluation; (5) while the concentrations of frac fluid chemicals are low, some are known carcinogens; therefore, thorough, well-designed studies are needed to assess the risk to human health with high certainty; (6) HF can represent a health risk via long-lasting contamination of soil and water, when strict safety measures are not rigorously applied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H Foth
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - A Freyberger
- Research and Development, Translational Sciences-Toxicology, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - T Gebel
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany
| | - A Mangerich
- Molecular Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - U Gundert-Remy
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Partosch
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - C Röhl
- Department of Environmental Health Protection, Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Social Services, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Schupp
- Chemical Engineering, University of Applied Science Muenster, Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.
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Use of Tracer Elements for Estimating Community Exposure to Marcellus Shale Development Operations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061837. [PMID: 32178331 PMCID: PMC7143288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since 2009, unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has significantly increased in Appalachia's Marcellus Shale formation. Elevations of fine particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), have been documented in areas surrounding drilling operations during well stimulation. Furthermore, many communities are experiencing increased industrial activities and probable UNGD air pollutant exposures. Recent studies have associated UNGD emissions with health effects based on distances from well pads. In this study, PM2.5 filter samples were collected on an active gas well pad in Morgantown, West Virginia, and three locations downwind during hydraulic stimulation. Fine particulate samples were analyzed for major and trace elements. An experimental source identification model was developed to determine which elements appeared to be traceable downwind of the UNGD site and whether these elements corresponded to PM2.5 measurements. Results suggest that 1) magnesium may be useful for detecting the reach of UNGD point source emissions, 2) complex surface topographic and meteorological conditions in the Marcellus Shale region could be modeled and confounding sources discounted, and 3) well pad emissions may be measurable at distances of at least 7 km. If shown to be more widely applicable, future tracer studies could enhance epidemiological studies showing health effects of UNGD-associated emissions at ≥15 km.
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40
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Deziel NC, Brokovich E, Grotto I, Clark CJ, Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Broday D, Agay-Shay K. Unconventional oil and gas development and health outcomes: A scoping review of the epidemiological research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109124. [PMID: 32069745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing together with directional and horizontal well drilling (unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development) has increased substantially over the last decade. UOG development is a complex process presenting many potential environmental health hazards, raising serious public concern. AIM To conduct a scoping review to assess what is known about the human health outcomes associated with exposure to UOG development. METHODS We performed a literature search in MEDLINE and SCOPUS for epidemiological studies of exposure to UOG development and verified human health outcomes published through August 15, 2019. For each eligible study we extracted data on the study design, study population, health outcomes, exposure assessment approach, statistical methodology, and potential confounders. We reviewed the articles based on categories of health outcomes. RESULTS We identified 806 published articles, most of which were published during the last three years. After screening, 40 peer-reviewed articles were selected for full text evaluation and of these, 29 articles met our inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated pregnancy outcomes, cancer incidence, hospitalizations, asthma exacerbations, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries or mortality from traffic accidents. Our review found that 25 of the 29 studies reported at least one statistically significant association between the UOG exposure metric and an adverse health outcome. The most commonly studied endpoint was adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm deliveries and low birth weight. Few studies evaluated the mediating pathways that may underpin these associations, highlighting a clear need for research on the potential exposure pathways and mechanisms underlying observed relationships. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the heterogeneity among studies with respect to study design, outcome of interest, and exposure assessment methodology. Though replication in other populations is important, current research points to a growing body of evidence of health problems in communities living near UOG sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Eran Brokovich
- Natural Resources Administration, Ministry of Energy, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer, Sheva, Israel.
| | - Cassandra J Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Research Center for Health Informatics, School of Engineering, Ruppin Academic Center, Israel.
| | - David Broday
- Department of Environmental, Water, and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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Johnston J, Cushing L. Chemical Exposures, Health, and Environmental Justice in Communities Living on the Fenceline of Industry. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:48-57. [PMID: 31970715 PMCID: PMC7035204 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Polluting industries are more likely to be located in low-income communities of color who also experience greater social stressors that may make them more vulnerable than others to the health impacts of toxic chemical exposures. We describe recent developments in assessing pollutant exposures and health threats posed by industrial facilities using or releasing synthetic chemicals to nearby communities in the U.S. RECENT FINDINGS More people are living near oil and gas development due to the expansion of unconventional extraction techniques as well as near industrial animal operations, both with suggestive evidence of increased exposure to hazardous pollutants and adverse health effects. Legacy contamination continues to adversely impact a new generation of residents in fenceline communities, with recent studies documenting exposures to toxic metals and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Researchers are also giving consideration to acute exposures resulting from inadvertent industrial chemical releases, including those resulting from extreme weather events linked to climate change. Natural experiments of industrial closures or cleanups provide compelling evidence that exposures from industry harm the health of nearby residents. New and legacy industries, coupled with climate change, present unique health risks to communities living near industry due to the release of toxic chemicals. Cumulative impacts from multiple stressors faced by environmental justice communities may amplify these adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lara Cushing
- Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Holder C, Hader J, Avanasi R, Hong T, Carr E, Mendez B, Wignall J, Glen G, Guelden B, Wei Y. Evaluating potential human health risks from modeled inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds emitted from oil and gas operations. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2019; 69:1503-1524. [PMID: 31621516 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2019.1680459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Some states and localities restrict siting of new oil and gas (O&G) wells relative to public areas. Colorado includes a 500-foot exception zone for building units, but it is unclear if that sufficiently protects public health from air emissions from O&G operations. To support reviews of setback requirements, this research examines potential health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during O&G operations.We used stochastic dispersion modeling with published emissions for 47 VOCs (collected on-site during tracer experiments) to estimate outdoor air concentrations within 2,000 feet of hypothetical individual O&G facilities in Colorado. We estimated distributions of incremental acute, subchronic, and chronic inhalation non-cancer hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indices (HIs), and inhalation lifetime cancer risks for benzene, by coupling modeled concentrations with microenvironmental penetration factors, human-activity diaries, and health-criteria levels.Estimated exposures to most VOCs were below health criteria at 500-2,000 feet. HQs were < 1 for 43 VOCs at 500 feet from facilities, with lowest values for chronic exposures during O&G production. Hazard estimates were highest for acute exposures during O&G development, with maximum acute HQs and HIs > 1 at most distances from facilities, particularly for exposures to benzene, 2- and 3-ethyltoluene, and toluene, and for hematological, neurotoxicity, and respiratory effects. Maximum acute HQs and HIs were > 10 for highest-exposed individuals 500 feet from eight of nine modeled facilities during O&G development (and 2,000 feet from one facility during O&G flowback); hematologic toxicity associated with benzene exposure was the critical toxic effect. Estimated cancer risks from benzene exposure were < 1.0 × 10-5 at 500 feet and beyond.Implications: Our stochastic use of emissions data from O&G facilities, along with activity-pattern exposure modeling, provides new information on potential public-health impacts due to emissions from O&G operations. The results will help in evaluating the adequacy of O&G setback distances. For an assessment of human-health risks from exposures to air emissions near individual O&G sites, we have utilized a unique dataset of tracer-derived emissions of VOCs detected at such sites in two regions of intense oil-and-gas development in Colorado. We have coupled these emission stochastically with local meteorological data and population and time-activity data to estimate the potential for acute, subchronic, and chronic exposures above health-criteria levels due to air emissions near individual sites. These results, along with other pertinent health and exposure data, can be used to inform setback distances to protect public health.
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McKenzie LM, Allshouse W, Daniels S. Congenital heart defects and intensity of oil and gas well site activities in early pregnancy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 132:104949. [PMID: 31327466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary studies suggest that offspring to mothers living near oil and natural gas (O&G) well sites are at higher risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs). OBJECTIVES Our objective was to address the limitations of previous studies in a new and more robust evaluation of the relationship between maternal proximity to O&G well site activities and births with CHDs. METHODS We employed a nested case-control study of 3324 infants born in Colorado between 2005 and 2011. 187, 179, 132, and 38 singleton births with an aortic artery and valve (AAVD), pulmonary artery and valve (PAVD), conotruncal (CTD), or tricuspid valve (TVD) defect, respectively, were frequency matched 1:5 to controls on sex, maternal smoking, and race and ethnicity yielding 2860 controls. We estimated monthly intensities of O&G activity at maternal residences from three months prior to conception through the second gestational month with our intensity adjusted inverse distance weighted model. We used logistic regression models adjusted for O&G facilities other than wells, intensity of air pollution sources not associated with O&G activities, maternal age and socioeconomic status index, and infant sex and parity, to evaluate associations between CHDs and O&G activity intensity groups (low, medium, and high). RESULTS Overall, CHDs were 1.4 (1.0, 2.0) and 1.7 (1.1, 2.6) times more likely than controls in the medium and high intensity groups, respectively, compared to the low intensity group. PAVDs were 1.7 (0.93, 3.0) and 2.5 (1.1, 5.3) times more likely in the medium and high intensity groups for mothers with an address found in the second gestational month. In rural areas, AAVDs, CTDs, and TVDs were 1.8 (0.97, 3.3) and 2.6 (1.1, 6.1); 2.1 (0.96, 4.5) and 4.0 (1.4, 12); and 3.4 (0.95, 12) and 4.6 (0.81, 26) times more likely than controls in the medium and high intensity groups. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence of a positive association between maternal proximity to O&G well site activities and several types of CHDs, particularly in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - William Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen Daniels
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Garcia-Gonzales DA, Popoola O, Bright VB, Paulson SE, Wang Y, Jones RL, Jerrett M. Associations among particulate matter, hazardous air pollutants and methane emissions from the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility during the 2015 blowout. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 132:104855. [PMID: 31255256 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In October of 2015, a large underground storage well at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility experienced a massive methane leak (also referred to as "natural gas blowout"), which resulted in the largest ever anthropogenic release of methane from a single point source in the United States. Additional sampling conducted during the event revealed unique gas and particle concentrations in ambient air and a characteristic "fingerprint" of metals in the indoor dust samples similar to samples taken at the blowout site. We further investigated the association between the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage site and several measured air pollutants by: (a) conducting additional emission source studies using meteorological data and correlations between particulate matter, methane, and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) collected during the natural gas blowout at distances ranging from 1.2 to 7.3 km due south of well SS25, (b) identifying the unique i/n-pentane ratio signature associated with emissions from the blowout event, and (c) identifying characteristics unique to the homes that tested positive for air pollutants using data collected from extensive indoor environmental assessment surveys. Results of air quality samples collected near Aliso Canyon during the final weeks of the event revealed that elevated levels of several HAP compounds were likely influenced by the active natural gas blowout. Furthermore, the final attempts to plug the well during the days preceding the well kill were associated with particle emissions likely from the well site. Together, this investigation suggests uncontrolled leaks or blowout events at natural gas storage facilities have the potential to release harmful pollutants with adverse health and environmental consequences into proximate communities. With this evidence, our recommendations include facility-specific meteorological and air quality data-collection equipment installed at natural gas storage facilities and support of environmental surveillance after severe off-normal operation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane A Garcia-Gonzales
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California at Berkeley, 50 University Hall, School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America.
| | - Olalekan Popoola
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Vivien B Bright
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Suzanne E Paulson
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America.
| | - Yanwen Wang
- BIC-ESAT and SKL-ESPC, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Environmental Health Risk Assessment, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 Panjiayuan South Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Roderic L Jones
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California at Berkeley, 50 University Hall, School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America; Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Fielding School of Public Health University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, 56-070 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, 56-070B CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America.
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Casey JA, Goin DE, Rudolph KE, Schwartz BS, Mercer D, Elser H, Eisen EA, Morello-Frosch R. Unconventional natural gas development and adverse birth outcomes in Pennsylvania: The potential mediating role of antenatal anxiety and depression. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108598. [PMID: 31357155 PMCID: PMC6726131 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported associations between unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) and adverse birth outcomes. None have evaluated potential mediating mechanisms. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between (1) UNGD and antenatal anxiety and depression and (2) antenatal anxiety and depression and preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) and reduced term birth weight, (3) stochastic direct and indirect effects of UNGD on preterm birth and term birth weight operating through antenatal anxiety and depression, and (4) effect modification by family-level socioeconomic status. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included mothers without prevalent anxiety or depression at time of conception, who delivered at Geisinger in Pennsylvania between January 2009-January 2013. We assembled phase-specific UNGD activity data from public sources. Mothers were categorized as exposed (quartile 4) or unexposed (quartiles 1-3) based on average daily inverse distance-squared UNGD activity metric between conception and the week prior to anxiety or depression (cases) or the pregnancy-average daily metric (non-cases). We estimated associations with a doubly robust estimator (targeted minimum loss-based estimation) and adjusted for potential individual- and community-level confounding variables. RESULTS Analyses included 8,371 births to 7,715 mothers, 12.2% of whom had antenatal anxiety or depression. We found 4.3 additional cases of antenatal anxiety or depression per 100 women (95% CI: 1.5, 7.0) under the scenario where all mothers lived in the highest quartile of UNGD activity versus quartiles 1-3. The risk difference appeared larger among mothers receiving Medical Assistance (indicator of low family income) compared to those who did not, 5.6 (95% CI: 0.5, 10.6) versus 2.9 (95% CI: -0.7, 6.5) additional cases of antenatal anxiety or depression per 100 women. We found no relationship between antenatal anxiety or depression and adverse birth outcomes and no mediation effect either overall or when stratifying by Medical Assistance. CONCLUSION We observed a relationship between UNGD activity and antenatal anxiety and depression, which did not mediate the overall association between UNGD activity and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A Casey
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Dana E Goin
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dione Mercer
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Holly Elser
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA; College of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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Brown DR, Greiner LH, Weinberger BI, Walleigh L, Glaser D. Assessing exposure to unconventional natural gas development: using an air pollution dispersal screening model to predict new-onset respiratory symptoms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2019; 54:1357-1363. [PMID: 31452436 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2019.1657763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Various exposure estimates have been used to assess health impact of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD). The purpose of this study was to (1) use an air pollution dispersal screening model and wind direction to characterize the air emissions from UNGD facilities at each residence and (2) assess association of this exposure estimate with respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms were abstracted from health records of a convenience sample of 104 adults from one county in southwestern PA who had completed a standard clinical interview with a nurse practitioner. Using publicly available air emission data, we applied a "box" air pollution dispersion screening model to estimate the median ambient air level of CO, NOx, PM 2.5, VOCs, and formaldehyde at the residence during the year health symptoms were reported. Sources and median emissions were categorized as north, south, east, or west of the residence to account for the effect of wind direction on dispersion. Binary logistic regression was performed for each respiratory symptom. Number of sources had varying magnitudes of association with some symptoms (i.e., cough, shortness of breath, and "any respiratory symptom") and no association with others (i.e., sore throat, sinus problems, wheezing). Air emissions were not associated with any symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Brown
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, PA, USA
| | - Lydia H Greiner
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, PA, USA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Beth I Weinberger
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, PA, USA
| | - Leslie Walleigh
- Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray, PA, USA
| | - Dale Glaser
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Assessing Agreement in Exposure Classification between Proximity-Based Metrics and Air Monitoring Data in Epidemiology Studies of Unconventional Resource Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16173055. [PMID: 31443587 PMCID: PMC6747456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies of unconventional resource development (URD) and adverse health effects have been limited by distance-based exposure surrogates. Our study compared exposure classifications between air pollutant concentrations and “well activity” (WA) metrics, which are distance-based exposure proxies used in Marcellus-area studies to reflect variation in time and space of residential URD activity. We compiled Pennsylvania air monitoring data for benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particulates and sulfur dioxide, and combined this with data on nearly 9000 Pennsylvania wells. We replicated WA calculations using geo-coordinates of monitors to represent residences and compared exposure categories from air measurements and WA at the site of each monitor. There was little agreement between the two methods for the pollutants included in the analysis, with most weighted kappa coefficients between −0.1 and 0.1. The exposure categories agreed for about 25% of the observations and assigned inverse categories 16%–29% of the time, depending on the pollutant. Our results indicate that WA measures did not adequately distinguish categories of air pollutant exposures and employing them in epidemiology studies can result in misclassification of exposure. This underscores the need for more robust exposure assessment in future analyses and cautious interpretation of these existing studies.
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Kroepsch AC, Maniloff PT, Adgate JL, McKenzie LM, Dickinson KL. Environmental Justice in Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas Drilling and Production: A Critical Review and Research Agenda. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:6601-6615. [PMID: 31117531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The drilling phase of oil and natural gas development is a growing area of environmental justice (EJ) research, particularly in the United States. Its emergence complements the longstanding EJ scholarship on later phases of the oil and gas commodity chain, such as pipeline transport, refining, and consumption. The growing scholarly attention to the EJ implications of drilling has been prompted by the surge in development of unconventional oil and gas resources in recent decades. More specifically, the oil and gas industry's adoption of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a., "fracking" or "fracing") as methods for extracting oil and gas from a wider range of geologic formations has simultaneously heightened oil and gas production, brought extractive activities closer to more people, intensified them, and made well pad siting more flexible. Here, we provide a critical review of the novel EJ research questions that are being prompted by these on-the-ground changes in extractive techniques and patterns, propose an interdisciplinary conceptual framework for guiding EJ inquiry in this context, discuss key methodological considerations, and propose a research agenda to motivate future inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne C Kroepsch
- Colorado School of Mines , 1500 Illinois Street , Golden , Colorado 80104 , United States
| | - Peter T Maniloff
- Colorado School of Mines , 1500 Illinois Street , Golden , Colorado 80104 , United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Lisa M McKenzie
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Katherine L Dickinson
- Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Denver , 13001 E. 17th Place, Campus Box B119 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
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Allshouse WB, McKenzie LM, Barton K, Brindley S, Adgate JL. Community Noise and Air Pollution Exposure During the Development of a Multi-Well Oil and Gas Pad. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:7126-7135. [PMID: 31136715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) in the United States is increasingly being conducted on multiwell pads (MWPs) and in residential areas. We measured air pollution, noise, and truck traffic during four distinct phases of UOGD: drilling, hydraulic fracturing, flowback, and production. We monitored particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), A-weighted (dBA), and C-weighted (dBC) noise using real-time instruments on 1 and 5 min time scales, and truck traffic for 4-7 days per phase at a large 22-well pad sited in a residential area of Weld County, Colorado. Hydraulic fracturing, which requires frequent truck trips to move supplies and diesel engines to power the process, had the highest median air pollution levels of PM2.5 and BC and experienced the greatest number of heavy trucks per hour compared to other phases. Median air pollution was lowest during drilling at this MWP, possibly because an electric drill rig was used. The equivalent continuous noise level ( Leq) exceeded guidelines of 50 dBA and 65 dBC for A-weighted and C-weighted noise, respectively, during all development phases. Our data show that these multiple stressors are present around the clock at these sites, and this work provides baseline measurements on likely human exposure levels near similarly sized MWPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Kelsey Barton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
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A Systematic Review of the Epidemiologic Literature Assessing Health Outcomes in Populations Living near Oil and Natural Gas Operations: Study Quality and Future Recommendations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122123. [PMID: 31208070 PMCID: PMC6616936 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A systematic method was used to review the existing epidemiologic literature and determine the state of the scientific evidence for potential adverse health outcomes in populations living near oil and natural gas (ONG) operations in the United States. The review utilized adapted systematic review frameworks from the medical and environmental health fields, such as Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE), the Navigation Guide, and guidance from the National Toxicology Program’s Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). The review included 20 epidemiologic studies, with 32 different health outcomes. Studies of populations living near ONG operations provide limited evidence (modest scientific findings that support the outcome, but with significant limitations) of harmful health effects including asthma exacerbations and various self-reported symptoms. Study quality has improved over time and the highest rated studies within this assessment have primarily focused on birth outcomes. Additional high-quality studies are needed to confirm or dispute these correlations.
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