Assessment and longitudinal analysis of health impacts and stressors perceived to result from unconventional shale gas development in the Marcellus Shale region. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrar, Kyle J; Kriesky, Jill; Christen, Charles L; Marshall, Lynne P; Malone, Samantha L; Sharma, Ravi K; Michanowicz, Drew R; Goldstein, Bernard D
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational and environmental health. Volume 19:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: Marcellus shale -- Unconventional natural gas development -- Natural gas -- Shale gas -- Community impacts -- Social impacts -- Environmental health -- Public health -- Health perceptions -- Stressors -- Health impacts -- NGD -- UNGD -- Symptoms -- Mental health -- Hydraulic fracturing -- Fracking -- High volume; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Consumer goods -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1179/2049396713Y.0000000024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-3525

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Concerns for health and social impacts have arisen as a result of Marcellus Shale unconventional natural gas development. Our goal was to document the self-reported health impacts and mental and physical health stressors perceived to result from Marcellus Shale development. Methods: Two sets of interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of community members living proximal to Marcellus Shale development, session 1 March–September 2010 ( n = 33) and session 2 January–April 2012 ( n = 20). Symptoms of health impacts and sources of psychological stress were coded. Symptom and stressor counts were quantified for each interview. The counts for each participant were compared longitudinally. Results: Participants attributed 59 unique health impacts and 13 stressors to Marcellus Shale development. Stress was the most frequently-reported symptom. Over time, perceived health impacts increased ( P = 0·042), while stressors remained constant ( P = 0·855). Discussion: Exposure-based epidemiological studies are needed to address identified health impacts and those that may develop as unconventional natural gas extraction continues. Many of the stressors can be addressed immediately.