Analysis of scientific papers is damming against unconventional gas development!
Dr Jake Hays and Dr Seth Shonkoff reviewed the current scientific papers on shale gas between 2009 and 2015.
This assessment was conducted using the PSE (Physicians, Scientists and Engineers) Database on Shale and Tight Gas Development which is available at: http://psehealthyenergy.org/site/view/1180
Over 685 papers on the impacts of unconventional gas development have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals between 2009 – 2015. These have been grouped into topics relating to the gas development impacts such as air quality, climate, community, ecology, economics, general, health, regulation, seismicity, waste/fluids, water quality, and water usage.
Hays and Shonkoff looked at all these papers, choosing the ones that met their criteria – related to shale gas, new research etc.
Of the 61 publications in air quality, 46 met their criteria.
Of the 78 publications in health, 31 met their criteria.
Of the 114 publications in water quality, 58 met their criteria.
Hays and Shonkoff say “Our results indicate that 84% of public health studies contain findings that that indicate public health hazards, elevated risks, or adverse health outcomes. 69% of water quality studies contain findings that indicate potential, positive association, or actual incidence of water contamination. And 87% of air quality studies contain findings that indicate elevated air pollutant emissions and/or atmospheric concentrations.”
Read the full study here.
