Studies link fracking with childhood hematologic cancer, neurologic conditions, and respiratory diseases, particularly asthma. BTEX compounds are known to cause birth defects, impact the reproductive system, and affect the kidneys, liver and lungs. Benzene is a potent carcinogen and, according to the EPA, cancer risk can occur at any exposure level of this compound. ![]() ![]() Fracking operations release toxic gases, the most dangerous of which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including the BTEX complex (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene). The recent fracking industry growth and poor oversight is evidenced in most measures of public health - air, water, and soil quality, as well as human health seen in fracking industry employees and Colorado citizens living both near and far from the fracking sources. SB-181 designated a clear requirement that the COGCC prioritize public health and safety before oil and gas development. This bill changed the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the primary oversight agency to the fracking industry, to one that regulates rather than promotes oil and gas development. Unconventional oil and gas extraction, known as fracking, has increased exponentially in Colorado in the past decade, largely with scant regulation regarding the health impacts of and protections from this industry.įortunately, in 2019, the Colorado bill SB-181 was passed.
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