Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a technique of generating fractures in rocks through injecting liquid into the cracks to open them further. The technique entails mixing water with sand and chemicals and injecting the mixture into a wellbore under high pressure to generate fractures. The technique is commonly applied in wells for tight gas, shale gas, coal seam gas, and tight oil as well as hard rock wells. Currently, more than 60% of gas and oil wells globally are hydraulically fractured (The Network for Public Health Law, 2013). Fracking is has various impacts including environmental-related negative outcomes, and dangers to human health.
Although it is considered the most effective technique of extraction of gas and oil currently, there are various dangers associated with this technology. The dangers are mostly associated with its impact on the environment and probably on human health (Hammer and VanBriesen, 2012). For instance, it is argued that fracking causes pollution of underground water sources as well as surface waters as a result of leaks and defective well construction. Furthermore, the process uses enormous amounts of water, which is transported to the site at a considerable environmental cost (The Network for Public Health Law, 2013). Thirdly, the technique is likely to result in small earth tremors. Lastly, fracking leads to reluctance of governments and energy firms in investing in renewable sources of energy, and supporting sustained dependence on fossil fuels.
Besides, fracking is associated with various health effects on humans as well as other animals. For instance, cases of animals, such as cows, dying of leaks from fracking have been reported in various parts of the world where this technique is commonly utilized, especially in the United States (Hammer and VanBriesen, 2012).. Similarly, different human health disorders have been linked with fracking, particularly because of the poor management of wastes which results from this technique. The disorders usually result from air and water pollution resulting from fracking. Global warming is yet another impact that has been linked with fracking. Methane, one of the greenhouse gases, emissions is very common when using this technique. Methane is one of the common gases contributing to global warming (Western Resource Advocates, 2012).
Despite the impacts and dangers of this technique, it has been a great development in the extraction of gases and oil. Through this technology, it is easy for drilling firms to reach difficult-to-reach resources of gas and oil. In developed countries such as the United States, the technique has enhanced production of oil and reduction of gas prices (Hammer and VanBriesen, 2012). Therefore, with further modifications, especially with regard to prevention of leakages and proper waste management, fracking is likely contributed to not only an increase in the supply of oil and gas, but also the reduction of prices of these commodities (Western Resource Advocates, 2012).
In conclusion, fracking is an important piece of technology in the drilling industry. The technology, which was invented in the past few decades, has been contributed to an increase in the supply of gas and oil globally. However, the use of this technology has been a controversial issue, considering its effect on the environment and human health. For instance, it is argued that the technology results to pollution of underground water sources, air pollution, global warming, use of enormous amount of water at production sites, and encouraging the reluctance of firms and government promoting usage of renewable sources of energy. Nevertheless, fracking has a number of advantages, including making it possible to access gas and oil gases difficult-to-reach resources.
References
Hammer R. and VanBriesen, J. (2012). In Fracking’s Wake: New rules are needed to protect our health and environment from contaminated wastewater. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/fracking-wastewater-fullreport.pdf
The Network for Public Health Law. (2013) Environmental Impacts Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing. Retrieved from http://www.networkforphl.org/_asset/w74j2w/
Western Resource Advocates (2012). Measuring Water and Community Impacts from Hydraulic Fracturing. Retrieved from http://www.westernresourceadvocates.org/frackwater/WRA_FrackingOurFuture_2012.p f
