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ACS News Service Weekly PressPac: November 05, 2014

An in-depth look at hydraulic fracturing’s possible effects on water, air and health

Environmental Science & Technology

The controversial oil and gas production technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” has led to a boom in the U.S. energy industry in recent years. But many questions remain over the potential environmental and health tolls this process is taking.

The ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology has published a special edition on fracking to parse the issues. It features articles by leading researchers across many disciplines, from hydrology and health to economics and political science. They raise important questions and address them with the most up-to-date research. (Note: The views expressed in this special issue are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ACS.) Examples of questions tackled in the special issue include: Are fracking fluids contaminating our drinking water? If so, what is the risk to human health? What about our soil? How does fracking affect air quality and global climate change? What socioeconomic factors are at play? Where do we go from here?

Journalists who are interested in the special edition may contact the ACS newsroom for specific articles.

For the scoop on the latest hydraulic fracturing research all in one place, turn to Environmental Science & Technology’s special issue.
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