Recent study shows a link between hospitalization rates and fracking site proximity

2

A recent study has suggested that people living next to fracking sites are more likely to get hospitalized for neurologically and heart related illnesses. The study even suggest that hospitalizations for certain cancers, skin conditions & urologic problems were associated with living in these areas.

The study also captured collective responses of the residents to fracturing in areas with the country that have higher well densities. Residents are also exposed to these toxicants, social stressors and noise because of hydraulic fracturing around their homes & this will also increase the number of hospitalized people.

The study even examined links between drilling well densities & healthcare use in specific zip codes in between 2007 & 2011 in 3 northeastern counties of Pennsylvania. This study also saw databases which included around 200000 hospitalizations while matching with zip codes that are closer to the active wells.

Obviously, if these findings do provide important hints to help in the design of epidemiological studies that can associate exposures of specific toxicants and health end-points. But more study is required in order to understand this association better as well as the risks involved which are far more important to understand. More time will also be required for studying individual & specific toxicants. Researchers will also have to study about how combinations can increase hospitalization rates as well.

This study is among the most comprehensive till date to be able to link hydraulic fracturing with health benefits. This study has even been supported by the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) & has also been published in PLOS ONE this week.

Share.

About Author

2 Comments

  1. I would also be curious to see if there are any sharp increased levels of radon gases built up in the basements of nearby surrounding home of fracking projects ?

Leave A Reply