Unconventional Natural Gas Development of the Marcellus Shale
Health Impacts of Marcellus Shale Development
The process of horizontal hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, a geologic formation underlying parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and several other states, has greatly expanded natural gas development in the northeast in the past several years. Marcellus Shale gas development, like all industrial processes, has the potential to have a lasting impact on human health, the environment, and communities. It is important to consider these consequences and ensure that systems are in place to minimize potential impacts. Possible health effects include those related to increased diesel truck traffic (air pollution, accidents, noise); surface water, ground water, or soil contamination; and community changes associated with this activity.” For more information on these possible health effects and to learn about COEC activities related to this issue, please navigate the following links:
Compiled by the University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center. Last updated October 5, 2012