A new study links hydraulic fracking to an increased risk of heart attack, hospitalization, and death.<\/p>\n
The Marcellus Formation straddles the New York State and Pennsylvania border, a region that shares similar geography and population demographics.<\/p>\n
However, on one side of the state line unconventional natural gas development\u2014or fracking<\/a>\u2014is banned, while on the other side it represents a multi-billion dollar industry.<\/p>\n
Exposure to air pollution is recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease<\/a>. Other research has shown that the intensity of oil and gas development and production is positively associated with diminished vascular function, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers associated with stress and short-term air pollution exposure. Light and noise pollution from the continuous operation of the wells are also associated with increasing stress, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n
Fracking is more concentrated in rural communities<\/a>, which the authors speculate may further compromise cardiovascular heath due to the trend of rural hospital closures. People who suffer from cardiovascular disease in these areas may be at increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including death, due to less access to care.<\/p>\n
The paper appears in Environmental Research<\/a><\/em>. Additional coauthors are from Boston University and the University of Rochester. The National Institutes of Health Office of the Director funded the work.<\/p>\n
Source: University of Rochester<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"