About This Project

This study seeks to explore the relationship between unconventional natural gas development (UNGD), otherwise known as 'fracking', and several types of health outcomes: respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. UNGD has been shown to be associated with increases in many types of air pollutants, all of which have adverse effects on health. Therefore, it may be reasonable to hypothesize that living near a UNGD site could result in a risk to one's health.

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What is the context of this research?

The US holds large unconventional gas reserves in impermeable shale formations and accounts for a majority of all commercial shale gas produced in the world. Currently, there are 1.2 million active oil and gas wells in the US. This number is likely to increase, as production levels of shale gas are forecast to grow by 136% over 2014 levels by 2040. UNGD is exempted from the Clean Air Act. However, studies which have assessed the effects of UNGD on air have brought to light serious concerns. In addition to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, UNGD has been associated with increases in particulate matter, smog, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, all of which have adverse effects on health.

What is the significance of this project?

By studying the broad range of conditions that we have set out to assess, our study has the potential to make a significant contribution to the small, but growing literature base which has explored the relationship between UNGD and various health outcomes. Furthermore, our study will be the first to explore the association between UNGD and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. If we are able to demonstrate a positive relationship, our results may suggest a broader impact of UNGD on health than has been established to-date. This would indicate a need for further assessment of health outcomes, but potentially, also a need for re-evaluation of the regulations and policies targeted to UNGD.

What are the goals of the project?

We will use a state-level claims database, as well as publicly available UNGD well data, to explore the relationship between UNGD and three different disease categories: respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases. We will assess health effects within the context of exacerbation or aggravation of symptoms associated with each condition, employing the use of statistical techniques which leverage measures of proximity, as well as time. We hypothesize that individuals who live near a UNGD well pad are at increased risk of deterioration of their disease, exacerbation of associated symptoms and will be more likely to experience hospitalization for a primary diagnosis related to one of the disease categories of interest.