Some of the first research using the Geisinger Health System data to explore the health impacts of shale gas development was presented at the Shale and Public Health Conference on November 18 at the University of Pittsburgh University Club, 123 University Place in Pittsburgh from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The conference is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and will be hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

In addition to investigating impacts of the drilling, fracking and extraction of shale gas on our health, the conference examined related processes such as the disposal of wastes from shale gas development, and health concerns about ethane crackers.

Nationally known experts such as MacArthur Fellow Wilma Subra of Louisiana spoke on ethane crackers, shale gas development and public health.

Brian Schwartz MD of Johns Hopkins, a Senior Investigator for the Geisinger Center for Health Research, presented newly published research.

Local speakers include Dr. Cynthia Richburg of IUP who is studying the impacts of noise from shale gas development, and Bruce Pitt PhD of the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health presenting a recently published study on birth impacts.

A new addition to this year’s conference was a round table brainstorming session where the public can interact with experts and civic leaders. There was also a special break-out session for health professionals, led by a pediatrician and a family nurse practitioner, on addressing shale health issues in one’s practice.

All attendees received an updated copy of the League's “Shale Gas Extraction and Public Health: A Resource Guide.”

This event is part of “The Straight Scoop on Shale” initiative funded by a Colcom Foundation grant to League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania’s Citizen Education Fund.

Click Here for a copy of the agenda.

For more information, visit the Shale and Public Health Conference webpage or call 1-800-61-SHALE (1-800-617-4253).

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