US medical experts urge shale re-think

American medical professionals have called for a halt to the expansion of the shale industry while sufficient research is conducted in order to determine what health impacts the controversial technique […]

American medical professionals have called for a halt to the expansion of the shale industry while sufficient research is conducted in order to determine what health impacts the controversial technique may have.

Questions have been asked of ‘fracking’, which many believe can contaminate the water supply.

The medical industry says it wants questions answered before health is put at risk. Adam Law M.D., of the Physicians Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy said: “There is a need for scientific and epidemiologic information on the health impacts of fracking. Frankly, no one should be unleashing even more fracking before we have the scientific facts. The reality is that industry has not done nearly enough to finance the needed research effort.”

Speaking at a conference sponsored by the non-profit Physicians Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment (MACCHE), Jerome Paulson, M.D. said: “I recommend that the drilling and energy companies fund an independent foundation that would support research related to human and ecosystem health… I also recommend that the drilling and extraction companies reveal the full description of all chemicals used and the quantities of those chemicals used to the public.”

Latest Podcast