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Study Finds Connection Between Living Near Oil and Gas Development and Childhood Leukemia

Articles | February 28 2017
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Study Finds Connection Between Living Near Oil and Gas Development and Childhood Leukemia
(Photo: Lock the Gate Alliance; Edited: LW / TO)

By Mike Gaworecki,

With the rise of new technologies like fracking and horizontal drilling, oil and gas development in the United States has exploded over the past 15 years. As development expands, it’s also pushing ever closer into areas where people live. It’s been estimated that today more than 15 million Americans live within one mile of oil and gas development.

The drilling process, of course, has the potential to emit toxic substances, including the carcinogen benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and diesel exhaust, into the surrounding air and waterways. But researchers have long been trying to determine to what extent oil and gas drilling operations may threaten public health, particularly around cancer risk.

However, new research suggests that children living in areas of high-density oil and gas development may face increased risk of health impacts, namely a certain type of leukemia, as a result of their exposure to pollutants associated with this activity. (Read more)