According to a new study, racking
wells in regions located within Pennsylvania are linked to poor rural
communities where locals are experiencing a high rise in pollution. Researchers
are concerned people living in these poor rural communities are suffering
potential health risks such as air and water pollution associated with pulling
gas from the ground. Although health risks have become a concern, industry
groups believe the fracturing is happening in rural farming regions of
Pennsylvania out of necessity and is providing a much needed economic stimulus.
Researchers used a number of different tests to estimate expose to potential
gas well pollution and came to the conclusion exposure was significantly much
higher in poor communities. These studies raised environmental justice concerns
for people in poor communities who lack access to information about potential
ills of fracking. Companies associated with these fracking processes fail to
recognize these studies and instead hold to the value that these fracking
processes are helping the poor and not depleting their health. The lack of
empathy for residents facing possible health risks shows the greed in companies
who focus on making money by any means necessary.
