Early evidence of environmental health impacts associated with hydrofracturing

Energy independence has become a growing concern for many within the US in recent years.  Due to this growing concern, the US oil and gas industry has been able to rapidly promote its advanced technology of petrochemical hydrofracturing of geological shale deposits in a number of areas in several western states; and, most recently in the Marcellus shale deposits of PA. 

This industrial escalation has led to rapid growth in many associated sectors such as housing and related services needs due to those being employed having flooded the areas close to drilling exploration sites.  Also, corresponding escalations of need for judicial, social and health services have been identified as related increased levels of crimes, asthma and related respiratory problems, and sexually transmitted diseases have dramatically driven demand for these services.  As the fracking has escalated, more and more health and safety consequences have been identified within the areas where fracking wells and fluid retention ponds have been established. 

Various instances of negative health consequences found to be associated with the industrial processes of this type of energy exploration specifically in PA, as well as the relatively new fracking approval process in NC will be identified.  By comparing processes in the latest state to approve hydrofracking with the more “experienced” state of PA, clearly aggressive similarities of oil and gas industry strategies will be made, as well as suggestions for counter-strategies by health professionals to delay or end the processes that have rapidly been shown to be detrimental to human health.