Research Article: PM-2.5 Airborne Particulates Near Frac Sand Operations

PM-2.5 Airborne Particulates Near Frac Sand Operations

By Kristin Walters, Jeron Jacobson, Zachary Kroening, and Crispin Pierce, PhD, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

Abstract

The rapid growth of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction in the U.S. has led to 135 active “frac” sand mines, processing plants, and rail transfer stations in Wisconsin. Potential environmental health risks include increased truck traffic, noise, ecosystem loss, and groundwater, light, and air pollution. Emitted air contaminants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and respirable crystalline silica. Inhalation of fine dust particles causes increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and lung cancer. In the authors’ pilot study, use of a filter-based ambient particulate monitor found PM-2.5 levels of 5.82 to 50.8 micro-grams per cubic meter in six 24-hour samples around frac sand mines and processing sites. Enforcement of the existing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency annual PM2.5 standard of 12 μg/m3 is likely to protect the public from silica exposure risks as well. PM2.5 monitoring around frac sand sites is needed to ensure regulatory compliance, inform nearby communities, and protect public health. 

See the full report here:
http://files.ctctcdn.com/e5446506501/99b2f2d3-fb0f-437d-b362-32f62bc4e360.pdf

Conclusion

With rapidly increasing frac sand mining, processing, transportation, and use in hydraulic fracturing, health departments and elected officials face unanswered questions about potential health risks. This research, together with other data of a similar nature we have collected, is suggestive of an increase of ambient PM2.5 levels as a result of these activities. We propose the establishment of longer-term PM2.5 monitoring with both direct reading and FRM particulate samplers, as well as silica- specific monitoring efforts, to ensure regulatory compliance, inform nearby communities, and protect public health.

Source: Journal of Environmental Health, Volume 78, Number 4, pp. 8 – 12, November 2015

See details on the frac sand industry in Wisconsin at:
http://www.ccc-wis.com

Tagged as: drilling, frac sand, fracking, land disturbances, occupational health, PM 2.5, public health, silica sand, Wisconsin sand mining