From SAFE’s historical archive
May 10, 2014
Seth B. Shonkoff, Jake Hays, and Madelon L. Finkel
http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307866
Received: 9 November 2013
Accepted: 2 April 2014
Advance Publication: 16 April 2014
Abstract
Background: The United States has experienced a boom in natural gas production due to recent
technological innovations that have enabled this resource to be produced from shale formations.
Objectives: This review discusses the body of evidence that focuses on exposure pathways to
evaluate the potential environmental public health impacts of shale gas development. It
highlights what is currently known and identifies data gaps and research limitations by
addressing matters of toxicity, exposure pathways, air quality, and water quality.
Discussion: There is evidence of potential environmental public health risks associated with
shale gas development. A number of studies suggest that shale gas development contributes to
levels of ambient air concentrations known to be associated with increased risk of morbidity and
mortality. Similarly, an increasing body of studies suggest water contamination risks exist
through a variety of environmental pathways, most notably during wastewater transport and
disposal and via poor zonal isolation of gases and fluids due to structural integrity impairment of
cement in gas wells.
Conclusion: Despite a growing body of evidence, a number of data gaps persist. Most
importantly, there is a need for more epidemiological studies to assess associations between risk
factors, such as air and water pollution and health outcomes among populations living in close
proximity to shale gas operations.
Read the entire original technical report in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP): http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/advpub/2014/4/ehp.1307866.pdf