One evening in 2019, Janice Blanock discovered a disturbing connection between her son's rare cancer and nearby fracking operations, sparking a grassroots movement to uncover the health risks posed by the industry.
Eve Andrews reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Parents in southwest Pennsylvania are alarmed by a spike in rare cancers and other illnesses in areas close to fracking sites.
- Studies have shown increased risks of leukemia and lymphoma in children living near active wells, but fracking remains a contentious issue with mixed scientific opinions.
- Activists are pushing for stricter regulations, including greater distances between homes and fracking operations, but face significant legislative hurdles.
Key quote:
“Should you want to live within a mile of a well pad when you have two small children, now that you know that your child has a higher chance of acquiring lymphoma?”
— Janice Blanock, southwestern Pennsylvania resident and mother of cancer victim
Why this matters:
Understanding the potential health impacts of fracking is important for public health and safety, especially as new evidence links it to increased cancer rates among children living near fracking sites. Read more: Fractured: The body burden of living near fracking.
