The Living Well Show presents Ellen Webb (listen to the interview here), the Health Sciences and Advocacy Manager for the Center for Environmental Health, and lead author of Neurodevelopmental and neurological effects of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas operations and their potential effects on infants and children tells us about the heavy metals (arsenic and manganese), particulate matter (PM), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) used in fracking that have been linked to significant neurodevelopmental health problems in infants, children and young adults. These substances are widely used in unconventional oil and natural gas operations (UOG) (also known as Fracking).

Every stage of the UOG lifecycle, from well construction to extraction, operations, transportation and distribution can lead to air and water contamination. Residents near UOG operations can suffer from increased exposure to elevated concentrations of air and water pollutants. Given the profound sensitivity of the developing brain and central nervous system, it is reasonable to conclude that young children who experience frequent exposure to these pollutants are at particularly high risk for chronic neurological diseases. Yet, Fracking continues unabated. There is power in knowledge – educate yourself on this crucial topic so you can act to protect yourself and your loved ones.