Each
day’s news contains at least one article about the process of hydraulic
fracturing (“fracking”) to release natural gas trapped in shale rock deep below
the ground’s surface. Opinions, accusations, denials and rebuttals fly back and
forth regarding the possible effects the process might have on our health.
Do we have enough information about the process of fracking to form an intelligent opinion on this ever-growing industry’s impact on us and our surroundings? What are the possible effects on children, pregnant women or workers at the drilling sites? Is there a potential for contamination of ground water from the fracking process?
Through
a Colcom Foundation Grant to The League of Women Voters Pennsylvania’s Citizens
Education Fund, the League has formed a Shale and Public Health Committee which
has studied the impact of shale gas development on health. The committee, which
includes nurses, a physician and other health professionals, has developed a
resource guide on the topic and will present their findings and recommendations. Please register for this free program at
Northland Public Library by calling the Adult Service Desk at 412-366-8100,
extension 113 or online at www.northlandlibrary.org.