The Better Path Coalition is hosting a March 24 webinar with Environmental Health News investigative reporter Kristina Marusic, one of the authors of “Fractured: The Body Burden Of Living Near Fracking,” a series of articles reporting on Western Pennsylvania families living near shale gas fracking operations.

A two-year investigation by EHN set out to close some of those gaps by measuring chemical exposures in residents' air, water, and bodies.

In the summer of 2019, we collected air, water, and urine samples from five nonsmoking southwestern Pennsylvania households.

All of the households included at least one child. Three households were in Washington County within two miles of numerous fracking wells, pipelines, and compressor stations.

Two households were in Westmoreland County, at least five miles away from the nearest active fracking well.

Over a 9-week period we collected a total of 59 urine samples, 39 air samples, and 13 water samples. Scientists at the University of Missouri analyzed the samples using the best available technology to look for 40 of the chemicals most commonly found in emissions from fracking sites (based on other air and water monitoring studies).

This was a small pilot study, so we aren't able to draw any sweeping scientific conclusions from our findings.

Instead, EHN hoped their findings will provide a snapshot of environmental exposures in southwestern Pennsylvania families and help pave the way for additional research.

Click Here to register.  The webinar starts at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Better Path Coalition website.

Related Articles:

-- Registration Now Open For 2021 Shale Network Workshop May 13-14

-- Better Path Coalition Hosts Environmental Health News ‘The Body Burden Of Living Near Fracking’ Reporter In March 24 Webinar

-- Dickinson College Clarke Forum Hosts Renowned Poet, Award-Winning Photographer To Discuss Project Documenting Fracking On March 25

[Posted: March 13, 2021]

3/15/2021