How Fracking and PFAS Impact Our Health and Environment

Fracking and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination are two interconnected environmental issues concerning water and air pollution. Both fracking and PFAS contamination can adversely affect groundwater, surface water, air, and public health. The chemicals used in fracking fluids often contain PFAS compounds, which can release these persistent and harmful substances into surrounding ecosystems.

Description of the Issue

Fracking is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground by injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals, including PFAS, into rock formations (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2022). Fracking fractures the rock to release fossil fuels, but the chemicals in fracking fluids, such as PFAS, can migrate into nearby water supplies. This leads to the contamination of groundwater, rivers, and lakes. Once these chemicals enter water sources, they can persist for decades, negatively impacting ecosystems and human health (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2022). Over 1,000 different substances have been identified in fracking fluids and wastewater, but the exact chemical names are often kept secret by oil companies, as they are considered proprietary information (Underhill et al., 2023). While fracking has been practiced for over two decades in the U.S., concerns about PFAS contamination became prominent within the past ten years as more studies highlighted the risk of PFAS in fracking fluids contaminating water sources (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2022).

Impact on Human Health

Fracking’s lack of chemical transparency makes it difficult to assess its full health impacts, particularly with PFAS in fracking fluids, which disrupt hormonal systems and increase risks of cancer and other chronic health issues (Horwitt et al., 2022). Residents near fracking sites face various health risks due to potential water contamination and air pollution. Water sources contaminated by PFAS expose communities to risks such as liver damage, immune issues, and developmental problems in children. Airborne chemicals released during fracking also contribute to respiratory issues, which is especially concerning for those with pre-existing conditions (Wollin et al., 2020). These health threats directly affect oilfield workers, who face additional dangers, like inhaling fine silica particles and volatile hydrocarbons (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2022).

Demographics

Fracking and PFAS contamination disproportionately impact specific demographics, mainly rural, low-income, and minority communities (Silva, G., & Warren, J. 2018). In states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, many Native American reservations and low-income communities are near fracking sites and rely on well water, which often lacks the regulation and testing standards of municipal water supplies (Kelso, M., & Carballo, S. 2024). According to FracTracker Alliance data, over 2,000 wells in West Virginia alone have been injected with undisclosed chemicals, raising risks for nearby populations with limited resources to challenge these operations or demand cleanup (Kelso, M., & Carballo, S. 2024). These communities face greater exposure to contaminated water and lack access to safe water sources, deepening environmental health disparities (Horwitt et al., 2022).

Policies

Two key policies address fracking and PFAS contamination are:

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Exemption (Halliburton Loophole): Enacted in 2005, this amendment exempts fracking from SDWA regulations, allowing companies to inject chemicals, including PFAS, without disclosing their contents. This loophole has led to significant water contamination risks, as companies aren't required to prevent harmful chemical leaks (Underhill et al., 2023). The lack of public reporting means these harmful effects often go unchecked, with communities bearing health risks.

EPA’s PFAS Action Plan and National Enforcement Initiatives: The EPA introduced the PFAS Action Plan in 2019 to regulate PFAS in drinking water and clean up contaminated sites. However, it has not yet set enforceable PFAS limits, which leaves vulnerable communities at risk, especially in areas affected by fracking. The EPA added “Addressing Exposure to PFAS” to address these gaps as part of its 2024-2027 National Enforcement Initiatives in August 2023. This initiative enforces the PFAS Strategic Roadmap, holding industries, federal facilities, and manufacturers accountable for PFAS pollution (EPA, 2024). Nonetheless, some states, like New York, have independently enacted fracking bans to protect community health.

Both policies highlight ongoing gaps in oversight, suggesting that more funding for state and local governments could support cleanup efforts and protect public health.

Grassroots Efforts

Grassroots movements such as the FracTracker Alliance and the Green Science Policy Institute have raised awareness about the link between fracking and PFAS contamination. These organizations focus on educating the public, advocating for stronger regulations, and promoting PFAS-free alternatives in industrial processes.

The FracTracker Alliance, in particular, offers mapping tools and data to help communities understand the impacts of nearby fracking operations. Meanwhile, the Green Science Policy Institute collaborates with scientists and local governments to push for the development of PFAS-free products and to ensure safer water sources.

FracTracker Alliance has also partnered with local governments and community organizations to conduct water testing, providing data to support legal challenges against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in several regions (Kelso, M., & Carballo, S. 2024).

In response to these challenges, local communities have organized protests and pursued legal actions against fracking operations that have polluted their water with PFAS. These efforts aim to hold companies accountable and prevent further contamination, with some communities successfully enacting local bans on fracking or implementing stricter regulations on chemical usage.

Solution

One effective solution to minimize the connection between fracking and PFAS contamination would be to ban PFAS use in fracking fluids. This ban could prevent PFAS from entering and persisting in the environment by mandating safer, non-toxic chemical alternatives. Additionally, stricter regulations that require companies to disclose all chemicals used in fracking and regular testing of local water sources would increase transparency, allowing communities to understand their exposure risks. Another long-term solution is to transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which would reduce the need for fracking altogether, ultimately eliminating related environmental and health risks. While these measures may not entirely eliminate fracking's impact, they represent crucial steps in protecting public health and the environment.

Conclusion

Fracking and PFAS contamination are closely related, as fracking operations can spread harmful PFAS chemicals into water supplies. This connection poses significant environmental and public health challenges, especially for vulnerable communities near fracking sites. Addressing this issue calls for stronger regulations, increased transparency, and the development of safer alternatives to PFAS. Grassroots initiatives and policy reforms are essential to reduce the impact of fracking-related PFAS contamination and to ensure cleaner, safer water for everyone.

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