The Human and Environmental Impact of Fracking: How Fracturing Shale for Gas Affects Us and Our World

by Madelon L. Finkel (Editor)

Overview

Fracking for gas trapped in shale could be a game changer in the quest to find alternatives to dirty fossil fuels, but it also has potential for harm. This book provides "one-stop shopping" for everyone who wants to know more about the issues.

Oil and gas account for a large percentage of the world's energy consumption, and the search for new ways to extract both from the earth is a global quest. Fracking is viewed as an energy game-changer but is a controversial topic about which there is much misunderstanding. This unbiased work was written to bring clarity to the issues. Under the guidance of an internationally recognized public health expert, this book provides a comprehensive look at unconventional natural gas development from many different perspectives.

Written for the layperson, the book dispels myths surrounding fracking, corrects misconceptions, and offers impartial, scientifically based information on both benefits and challenges. Readers will learn about the effects fracking has on the environment—our water, air, and climate—as well as on human and animal health. The contributors also look at the economics of fracking and at its socioeconomic impact on local communities and nations. They discuss legal and ethical issues related to the practice and, in keeping with the intent to provide a fair and balanced overview, share the industry perspective as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440832598
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/24/2015
Series:	Public Health Issues and Developments
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Madelon L. Finkel, PhD, is professor of health care policy and research and director of the Office of Global Health Education at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

Table of Contents

Foreword Seth B.C. Shonkoff ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction Madelon L. Finkel xiii

1 Potential and Known Health Impacts Associated with Unconventional Natural Gas Extraction Jerome A. Paulson Veronica Tinney 1

2 The Public Health Risk of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Adam Law 23

3 Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction on Animal Health and Implications for Food Safety Michelle Bamberger Robert E. Oswald 35

4 The Importance of Health Impact Assessments Liz Green 49

5 Natural Gas Development and Its Effect on Air Quality Nathan P. De Jong Roxana Z. Witter John L. Adgate 61

6 Implications of Unconventional Gas Extraction on Climate Change: A Global Perspective Philip L. Staddon Michael H. Depledge 81

7 Community Impacts of Shale-Based Energy Development: A Summary and Research Agenda Kathryn J. Brasier Matthew Filteau 95

8 Risks beyond the Well Pad: The Economic Footprint of Shale Gas Development in the United States Susan Christopherson 115

9 The Regulation of Shale Gas Development Kate Binding Daniel Kaichel Jonathan Krois 131

10 The Ethics of Shale Gas Development: Values, Evidence, and Policy Jake Hays Inmaculada de Melo-Martin 155

11 An Industry Perspective on the Benefits and Potential Community Health Risks Related to Unconventional Resource Development Dennis J. Devlin 173

12 The Geology and Sustainability of Shale J. David Hughes 195

13 Epilogue Anthony R. Ingraffea 207

About the Editor 217

About the Contributors 219

Index 225

Editorial Reviews

[E]ach chapter is well written and indexed, often insightful, and full of recent citations drawing on the rapidly growing literature in the field. . . . Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower- and upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners.” —Choice

From the Publisher