Methane pollution is an issue that negatively affects millions of people across the U.S. New geospatial analysis released by Earthworks and FracTracker shows that more than 17.3 million people – including 3.9 million children – live within the half-mile health threat radius of active oil and gas production operations. This makes addressing fugitive and leaking methane from both existing and new oil/gas facilities a moral responsibility.

 

The medical community has long known that unborn children are especially vulnerable to environmental impacts. Of these impacts, fossil fuels are the most serious threat to children’s health worldwide. The once-held belief that a pregnant mother gives chemical protection to her developing child is untrue. Studies have shown that smog, VOCs, soot, and air toxics have a disproportionate impact upon life in the womb. Research by Dr. Shaina L. Stacy and others at the University of Pittsburgh found close proximity to unconventional gas wells in Butler County, PA is associated with babies born with lower birthweight. Additionally, Dr. Lisa M. McKenzie with the Colorado School of Public Health published peer reviewed research that links birth defects to methane production. Research by Casey J.A., et al (2019) further describes that living within a half-mile radius of natural gas development leads to increased brain, spine, or spinal cord birth defects.

 

Additionally, methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, 86 times stronger than CO2 at trapping heat over a 20-year timeframe. As a result, methane pollution contributes to extreme weather events and additional health risks associated with a warming climate. Addressing methane pollution and leaks is one of the most efficient, cost-effective ways to combat warming in the short term.

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