Prof. Robert Jackson, Asst. Prof. Peter Rabinowitz, and Prof. Bob Howarth discuss the controversial topic of fracking. They address misconceptions, concerns about water contamination, and the potential health risks. The chapter also includes personal stories of water pollution and dissatisfaction with drilling companies. Despite the complexity of the science, the podcast provides contrasting perspectives and emphasizes the need for more evidence regarding potential health effects.
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Quick takeaways
Chemicals used in fracking can contaminate drinking water, but the risk is low and rare.
Fracking can cause earthquakes through the disposal of wastewater, mostly small tremors.
Deep dives
Chemicals in Fracking and Water Contamination
Chemicals used in fracking can contaminate drinking water, although such instances are rare. Studies show that the risk of fracking chemicals seeping into drinking water is low, as it would require several thousand or even millions of years. Damage to pipes and spills above ground pose a higher risk of chemicals entering water supplies, but these cases are not widespread.
Health Effects of Fracking Chemicals
In high doses, fracking chemicals can be toxic and cause health issues. However, the amount that is likely to enter drinking water is small, and studies suggest that the level of exposure is unlikely to make people sick.
Fracking and Earthquakes
Fracking can cause earthquakes through the disposal of wastewater. When wastewater is pumped back underground at high pressure, it lubricates rock layers, causing slips that result in earthquakes, mostly small tremors.
Fracking and Climate Change
Fracking contributes to climate change due to fugitive methane emissions. However, natural gas produced from fracking is still considered better for the climate than coal. Renewables are the most effective option for reducing pollution and combating climate change.
We often hear stories about fracking that go like this: a gas company comes to a small town, starts drilling wells, and then terrible things start to happen. People get sick. Water burns from taps. Earthquakes ruin houses. And the climate will soon be destroyed. But, is fracking really a disaster unfolding? To find out, Science Vs speaks to Prof. Robert Jackson, Asst. Prof. Peter Rabinowitz and Prof. Bob Howarth. We’re also joined by Pennsylvanian resident James Hughes and Seneca Resources’ Rob Boulware and Doug Kepler.
Credits:
This episode has been produced by Wendy Zukerman, Caitlin Kenney, Heather Rogers, Kaitlyn Sawrey. Edited by Annie-Rose Strasser and Alex Blumberg. Production assistance by Austin Mitchell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris.
Recordings from the Town Hall meeting in 2014 are from NPR's WHYY reporter Katie Colaneri, and the team at NPR’s StateImpact Pennsylvania. Thank you.
Big thanks to the Gimlet hive mind for comments, plus the Zukerman family.
Music written by Bobby Lord. Sound design and music by Matthew Boll. Engineered by Austin Thompson.
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