Fracking: What It Does to the Earth and Our Health
Fracking is a method used to get oil and gas from deep underground. While it helps produce energy, many people are worried about its harmful effects on the environment and human health. In recent years, fracking has become more common in the United States, especially between 2007 and 2016, when oil production rose by 75% and natural gas by 39%.
This article explains what fracking is, why it is controversial, and how it can affect our planet and health.
What Is Fracking?
Fracking is short for “hydraulic fracturing.” It’s a process that uses high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals to break open rocks underground and release natural gas, mainly methane. Methane is used to heat homes, produce electricity, and run industries.
First, companies drill about a mile into the ground to reach layers of shale rock.
Then, the drill turns sideways to cover more area.
Engineers use steel pipes to support the hole and shoot tiny holes in the pipe wall.
A mix of water, sand, and chemicals is then pumped into the hole at very high pressure.
This pressure cracks the rock, and sand keeps the cracks open so gas can escape and rise to the surface.
Environmental Concerns
Fracking uses a lot of water—between 1.5 and 16 million gallons for each well. This water is mixed with chemicals that can be harmful. Once used, the water either goes through treatment, is reused, or is stored deep underground. These chemicals can sometimes leak and pollute local water supplies.
Fracking also releases harmful gases into the air. One major concern is methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. According to a study from Cornell University in 2019, methane levels in the air have gone up due to fracking.
Some other risks include:
Air pollution from gas flares and leaks.
Smog caused by mixing gas emissions with vehicle pollution.
Health problems for people living near fracking sites.
Rapid Growth of Fracking
Fracking started in 1947 and became common in 1949. Over time, better technology helped the industry grow fast, especially in the 2000s. Supporters of fracking say it’s better than coal because it produces less carbon pollution when burned. In 2014, President Barack Obama called natural gas a “bridge fuel” that could reduce climate change if used safely.
Some groups say fracking has:
Created jobs in the U.S.
Lowered energy costs.
Helped the country become more energy independent.
But others believe the job growth numbers were exaggerated. After the initial boom, many workers lost jobs because prices for oil and gas dropped.
Impact on Communities
People living near fracking areas often face serious issues. The chemicals and gases released during fracking can cause:
Breathing problems
Headaches
Higher risk of cancer
For example, in Colorado’s Front Range, more smog is created by fracking than by cars. This is especially worrying for children and elderly people who are more sensitive to air pollution.
Sandra Steingraber, a health scientist, says fracking pollution is now a top cause of smog in some areas. This kind of pollution can make the air unsafe to breathe, especially during hot weather.
Fracking may help produce energy and reduce the use of coal, but it brings serious risks to our health and the environment. The rise in methane pollution, high water usage, and harmful chemicals are major concerns. As fracking continues, more people are asking if the cost to our planet is worth the energy it provides.
