Study uses animals as sentinels for health impacts

This study just showed up in Scientific Solutions.

IMPACTS OF GAS DRILLING ON HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

MICHELLE BAMBERGER

ROBERT E. OSWALD

ABSTRACT

Environmental concerns surrounding drilling for gas are intense due to

expansion of shale gas drilling operations. Controversy surrounding the

impact of drilling on air and water quality has pitted industry and lease -

holders against individuals and groups concerned with environmental

protection and public health. Because animals often are exposed continually

to air, soil, and groundwater and have more frequent reproductive cycles,

animals can be used as sentinels to monitor impacts to human health. This

study involved interviews with animal owners who live near gas drilling

operations. The findings illustrate which aspects of the drilling process may

lead to health problems and suggest modifications that would lessen but

not eliminate impacts. Complete evidence regarding health impacts of gas

drilling cannot be obtained due to incomplete testing and disclosure of

chemicals, and nondisclosure agreements. Without rigorous scientific studies,

the gas drilling boom sweeping the world will remain an uncontrolled health

experiment on an enormous scale.