Fracking Poisoning Families at Alarming Rate: Report

[xchrom]

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/10/19-2

Residents living near gas fracking sites suffer an increasingly high rate of health problems now linked to pollutants used in the gas extraction process, according to a new report released Thursday.


The study, conducted by Earthworks’ Oil & Gas Accountability Project, pulled from a survey of 108 Pennsylvania residents in 14 counties, and a series of air and water tests. The results showed close to 70 percent of participants reported an increase in throat irritation and roughly 80 percent suffered from sinus problems after natural gas extraction companies moved to their areas. The symptoms intensify the closer the residents are to the fracking sites.

"We use water for nothing other than flushing the commode," said Janet McIntyre referring to the now toxic levels of water on her land, which neighbors a fracking site. McIntyre said her entire family, including their pets, suffered from a wide array of health problems including projectile vomiting and skin rashes, indicative of other families' symptoms in the areas surveyed. Other symptoms include sinus, respiratory, fatigue, and mood problems.

"Twenty-two households reported that pets and livestock began to have symptoms (such as seizures or losing hair) or suddenly fell ill and died after gas development began nearby,” the report finds.

[Angry Dragon]

1. I say make the frackers drink the water to prove it is safe

[xchrom]

2. +1

[Champion Jack]

3. k&r

[kestrel91316]

4. It's not poisoning "families". It's poisoning PEOPLE.

Family group status has no bearing on this problem.

[Judi Lynn]

5. How many years will it be before we hear a word about this in our corporate media? Jeez. n/t