A poll commissioned by the Allentown Morning Call and conducted by the Muhlenberg College  Institute of Public Opinion and Public Health Program this week found 41 percent of respondents said the fracking process poses a major or moderate risk to the health of Pennsylvania residents, while 29 percent said it represented a minor risk.  Nine percent said it posed no risk and 19 percent were not sure.

Other findings from the poll include--

-- 74 percent disagreed with the statement drilling companies should NOT have to disclose the chemicals they use in the drilling process;

-- 52 percent said the strongly or somewhat agreed fracking is diminishing the quality of drinking water in parts of Pennsylvania, 20 percent disagreed and 28 percent were not sure;

-- 44 percent agreed the health risks from fracking are being overstated by the media, 34 percent disagreed and 23 percent were not sure;

-- 71 percent agreed Pennsylvania needs stronger regulations on fracking to protect public health, 13 percent disagreed and 16 percent were not sure.

A copy of the poll results are available online.

4/22/2013