Our nation’s economy runs on oil, gas and petroleum products. Take oil and gas out of the national conversation, and the economy grinds to a halt. Because there is such a premium on these fuels and because not all fuel sources can be accessed strictly by drilling, different methods – unconventional methods – are used. But as we learn more about the toxic chemicals used in these techniques, Americans are increasingly asking, “At what cost?”

What Is Fracking?

Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) is the processes used in extracting oil and gas from previously inaccessible reservoirs through directional drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Researchers, however, have linked fracking and related processes to higher odds of birth defects and certain types of cancer, according to WebMD.

How Does Fracking Affect Human Health?

According to researchers Janet Currie, Michael Greenstone and Katherine Meckel in their paper, “Hydraulic Fracturing and Infant Health: New Evidence from Pennsylvania,” published in Science magazine, fracking can affect human health in different ways, including water and air pollution. “In the fracking process,” the paper notes, “water and other chemicals are forced into shale rock to fracture it and allow the gas or petroleum trapped in the shale to be tapped.” Research has focused on water pollution and the possible side effects of the chemicals found both in the fracturing fluid and in air emissions near fractured gas wells.

“[Toxic chemicals in wastewater and fracking fluids] are associated with reproductive and embryological or developmental abnormalities, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic organic compounds like benzene,” according to a study due to be published in July 2023 in Environmental Research Journal.

How Does Fracking Affect Infant Health?

The Environmental Research Journal study found several areas of concern, including:

• Mothers living within 1 to 3 km of a fracking site experienced more infant health complications.
• A 25 percent increase in the probability of low birth weight for babies born within 1 kilometer of a well site.

In addition, the study found a positive association between chemicals used in fracking and certain birth defects. “The most common birth anomaly was hypospadias, followed closely by congenital heart disease and oral clefts. Living near UOGD wells is associated with limb reduction. Spina bifida risk was also doubled. Rural and urban neighborhoods appeared to be at equal risk.”

In addition, “genetic factors, environmental toxins, alcohol use, and advanced maternal age, as well as certain medications,” all increase the risk of birth anomalies, according to the study.

The results of these and other studies underscore the need for greater oversight and regulation of chemicals used in oil and gas production.

How We Help Victims Who Suffered Birth Defects 

Contact us to seek justice with the help of our experienced birth defect attorneys. We’ve battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years. Our Dallas, Texas, birth defect law firm represents families dealing with birth defects. If you have a child with birth defects caused by toxic exposure, we can help.