TitleEmissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsPaulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl LD, Haynes EN, Anderson KA
JournalEnviron Sci Technol
Volume50
Issue14
Pagination7921-9
Date Published07/2016
ISSN1520-5851

Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States 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. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that 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. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.

10.1021/acs.est.6b02762
Alternate JournalEnviron. Sci. Technol.
PubMed ID27400263
PubMed Central IDPMC5134738
Grant ListP30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES006096 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
Projects Reference: 
Air quality near Natural Gas Extraction Sites