Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale Gas: Environmental and Health Impacts

Abstract

Shale gas development means the nation's energy independence andeconomic benefits in terms of employment, manufacturing, services, taxrevenues, local economies as well as lease and royalty payments to stateand local governments and land owners. However, there are great concernsabout its potential impacts and risks on environment, human health, andecosystems as evidenced by numerous reported incidents and litigation.Among the major issues are: use of fracturing fluids that containcarcinogens and toxins; migration of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, andradioactive substances from shale and nearby formations that causesgroundwater and surface water contamination; substantial consumption ofwater for fracturing; air emissions; sedimentation; earthquakes;explosion; and human health effects. These issues are discussed in thischapter.