Bakalar, N. (2016, August 25). Living Near a Fracking Site Is Tied to Migraines, Fatigue. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/25/living-near-a- fracking-site-tied-to-migraines-fatigue/
Scientists conducted a study of 7,785 participants in the Pennsylvania health system to fill out a survey. A quarter of participants met the criteria for disorders of extreme fatigue and migraines. Those living near fracking sites were 49% more likely to suffer from sinusitis and migraines, 88 percent more likely to have sinusitis and fatigue, 95 percent more likely to have migraines and fatigue, and 84 percent more likely to have all three symptoms. Researchers did admit this was solely an observational study and does not prove cause and effect.
With so many health problems linked to fracking, it is clear the more research has to be conducted. There is a trend between people who suffer from various health issues and their proximity to fracking sites. Perhaps health problems can be limited with how these fracking sites carry out their operations. The government must find out the effects that fracking has on the human population surrounding the site. Fracking companies should be looking towards ways they can reduce air pollution so that the process becomes more viable.
If these statistics really do turn out to be effects of nearby fracking, then I agree the government and companies should definitely do something about it. Maybe stricter regulations and penalties if these operators fail to do so? Also, do you think that compensation should be given to affected households?
I do think stricter regulations are what we should aim for going forward. Personally I think compensation for the affected people should be given, however I’m not sure how possible that is to achieve.
I agree that the government should further this study and find out if fracking really does affect a population. Fracking pumps money into the US economy and in return the government should serve its people who frack or are affected by it. Do you think that, if the statistics prove to affect individuals health, the government should offer health aid to those affected?
Thanks, Nick. I think that if the health problems of patients can be directly linked to specific drilling sites, it is likely that people could push for the drilling corporations to provide some sort of compensation. Unfortunately, outside of that possibility, I don’t see it being that likely that these people will get compensation.