Human Health Effects of
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid
BTEX Components in
Drinking Water
Ashley Andersen, Nicole Fenton, Alex
Friedman, Kevin Jackson, Alec Morrison
What is Hydraulic Fracturing?
- Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) pumps chemicals
into the ground to extract natural gases from the
earth.
- Once in the soil, they can become contaminants in
our groundwater supply.
Fracking Rig
Also...
- Hydraulic Fracturing is a relatively new process
- So... information on this topic is limited & often
biased depending on affiliations.
https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcReD2AZgBz3-1q4iiFaFM9vE2aNrhEAv59nsDLJY0ntMKRJQhm7qA
Hydraulic Fracturing is on an
Upward Trend!
http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/HF_Study__Plan_110211_FINAL_508.pdf
Where does Fracking exist?
More details on "Fracking"
-Process entails drilling a well deep into shale that contains
natural gas.
-Injected with a high pressure mixture of water, sand and
chemical solutions.
-Although the goal is for the solution to remain deep in the
ground
-This could lead to both acute and chronic exposures to these
chemicals.
Did you know?
Many of the chemical compounds that are commonly used in
hydraulic fracturing are already regulated under the Safe
Drinking Water Act & Clean Air Act!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PECGW_wAME/To7ubwfB_OI/AAAAAAAAGlw/5NjFFmpb9VQ/s1600/000.png
So how is Fracking even legal?
- An exemption referred to as the “Halliburton Loophole
Act.”
- The permanent underground injection of chemicals used for
hydraulic fracturing is not regulated by the Environmental
Protection Agency unless diesel is used.
(EPA, 2001)
It's concerning because...
-the EPA has identified many common chemical components known to have multiple
negative health impacts.
-These include BTEX compounds (Benzene, Tolulene, Ethylbenzene & Xylene)
- classified as unsafe under the Safe Water Drinking Act, Clean Air Act and are
potentially carcinogenic.
-these are VOCs so avoiding consumption does not necessarily protect you
- definite reason for concern, further study & legislation.
-Many people get water from drinking wells that are located above fracking
sites, and many chemicals and gasses can leach up to contaminate them!
Water Wells in
comparison to
Fracking Wells
- EPA Plan to Study the Potential
Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing
on Drinking Water Resource
- Using groundwater monitoring
wells for contaminant testing
http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/HF_Study_
_Plan_110211_FINAL_508.pdf
Our Focus:
- BTEX compounds in hydraulic fracturing fluid
and their proven impacts/health effects on
humans.
- Possible exposure pathways and
probability/level of risk for people
Pathways of Exposure
-Inhalation of VOC's
-Contact with skin (dermal)
-Ingestion (via consumption of drinking water)
Lethal Doses of BTEX in Mice
http://www.springerlink.com/content/h377437740432527/
Possible health effects of Benzene
- Highly flammable
-Is classified under SDWA, is a HAP & carcinogenic
-EPA has set an enforceable regulation for benzene,
called a maximum contaminant level (MCL), at 0.005
mg/L or 5 ppb.
- Found in:
- crude oil
- gasoline
- cigarette smoke
Chronic exposure can lead to:
- anemia
- decrease in blood platelets
- may have an increased risk of getting
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/benzene.cfm
cancer
Possible Health Effects of Toluene
- Used in the production of benzene and urethane
- Is classified under the SDWA and is a HAP
- Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) = 1
milligram per Liter (mg/L) or 1 parts per million
(ppm)
Chronic exposure can lead to
problems in the:
- Nervous system
- Kidneys
- Liver
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/toluene.cfm
Possible health effects of Ethyl Benzene
- Chronic exposure can lead
to:
- liver or kidney problems.
- Is classified under the SDWA
and is a HAP
- Exposure can be ototoxic
(impairs auditory functions)
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/uploa
d/mcl-2.pdf
Possible health effects of Xylene
- Produced from petroleum or coal
tar
- Is classified under the SDWA and is
a HAP
-Maximum Contaminant Level
(MCL)=10 milligrams per Liter (mg/L)
or 10 parts per million (ppm)
- One of the most commonly used
solvents in:
- Paint
- Printing
http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/content/47/4/331.full.pdf+html
- Chronic exposure can cause
damage to the nervous system
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/xylen
es.cfm
http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
Hydraulic%20Fracturing%20Report%204.18.11.pdf
Gasland
www.gaslandthemovie.com
The EPA says:
http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/HF_Study__Plan_110211_FINAL_508.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/HF_Study__Plan_110211_FINAL_508.pdf