Fracking Linked to Birth Defects & Mental Health Issues
Birth Defects, Toxic Exposure
A growing body of research underscores the health risks associated with fracking in oil and gas production.
Recently, a meta analysis in the Canadian Journal of Public Health surveyed a large body of peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies and found the majority of studies confirmed an association between exposure to fracking and significant adverse outcomes, including low birthweight; small for gestational age; preterm birth; and one or more birth defects.
What Is Fracking?
Fracking is a drilling technique used to extract natural gas and oil trapped in shale or “tight” rock formations. Large amounts of water mixed with chemicals, sand, and other substances are forced down the well at a high pressure to open and widen cracks and create micro-ruptures in the rock to release the oil and gas.
Why Is Fracking Harmful?
Chemicals used in fracking are known to escape into the environment through spills, evaporation, or wastewater leakage. In addition, exhaust fumes from diesel engines used in the process and gas flaring are additional sources of chemical exposure.
The Environmental Health Network reports that living near oil and gas operations is linked to physical and mental health problems during and after pregnancy, including preterm birth, birth defects, low birth weights, and increased stress.
New research has found that living near these sites can cause poor mental health for couples hoping to become pregnant. The new study conducted by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health and published in the American Journal of Public Health is the first to investigate how living near oil and gas operations affects the health of women who are hoping to become pregnant.
Researchers found that women who lived within roughly six miles of active oil and gas development were more likely to report moderate-to-sever depressive symptoms. The study also revealed that higher levels of active oil and gas activity were linked to higher reported depression and stress levels.
Chemicals Used in Fracking
Drilling operators use a closely-guarded mix of chemicals in fracking, with each ingredient playing a specific role. Here’s a quick look:
- Friction Reducers: These chemicals are used to make fluid flow easier. A common one is polyacrylamide.
- Thickeners or Gelling Agents: These turn the fluid into a gel, like adding flour to gravy, so it can carry sand deep into the rock. Guar and cellulose are often used.
- Gel Breakers: Once the gel has done its job, these chemicals thin it out again, so the oil and gas can flow freely. Ammonium persulphate and magnesium peroxide are common.
- Bacteria killers (Biocides): These are used to prevent bacteria from creating gases or damaging equipment. Glutaraldehyde and bronopol are often used.
- Clay protectors (Clay Control): In areas with clay in the soil, these chemicals reduce swelling. Potassium chloride and choline chloride are used.
- Rock dissolvers (Acids): These are used to prepare the rock for fracking. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used.
- Mixers (Surfactants/Non-emulsifiers): These are used to blend fracking fluid with the existing fluids in the rock, preventing clumping. Sodium lauryl sulfate is an example.
How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure
Our birth defect litigation attorneys understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations that put them in danger. Contact us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.