TitleImpact of natural gas extraction on PAH levels in ambient air.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsL Paulik, B, Donald, CE, Smith, BW, Tidwell, LG, Hobbie, KA, Kincl, L, Haynes, EN, Anderson, KA
JournalEnviron Sci Technol
Volume49
Issue8
Pagination5203-10
Date Published2015 Apr 21
ISSN1520-5851
KeywordsAir Pollutants, Environment, Environmental Monitoring, Humans, Natural Gas, Ohio, Oil and Gas Industry, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Public Health, Risk Assessment, United States
Abstract

Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking," has increased rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. PAH levels were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. Additionally, PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were an order of magnitude higher than levels previously reported in rural areas. Sourcing ratios indicate that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that elevated PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. Closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 2.9 in 10 000, which is above the U.S. EPA's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest. This work suggests that natural gas extraction may be contributing significantly to PAHs in air, at levels that are relevant to human health.

DOI10.1021/es506095e
Alternate JournalEnviron. Sci. Technol.
PubMed ID25810398
PubMed Central IDPMC4415607
Grant ListP30-ES06096 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30-ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES006096 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P42 ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States