The Radioactive Contamination Epidemic Fracking Has Caused

Natural Gas Drilling Rigs

Introduction to Natural Gas and Radon

The process of fracking, or Hydraulic fracturing, is a way of releasing natural gas or oil from inside the Earth by drilling and then injecting very high pressure fluid into the well, deep underground to fracture shale rock, releasing the natural gas or oil. Fracking can also be used to recover crude oil petroleum, and even to release geothermal energy from very deep sources. Currently, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have energy companies that practice fracking as part of their energy production strategies.

History

The first operational and economically successful natural gas fracking well was drilled in 1950. The fracking process was experimented with as early as 1947. Over 2.5 million fracking sites had been created, worldwide, for natural gas and oil wells by the year 2012, at least a million sites in the U.S. alone.

Process

The fracking process is complex and requires some fairly advanced science to be applied carefully in order to succeed with desired results. The fracking liquid is a specific mix of water, sand, and some proprietary chemicals. It is injected into the bore of a well, usually at least a few hundred feet down, creating overwhelming pressure that causes shale rock layers to shatter. Once the shale rock is broken, it releases natural gas or petroleum back to the surface. When the high-pressure fluid is removed from the well opening, tiny clusters of the fracturing components, usually sand or aluminum oxide stays to keep the network of subterranean fractures open in the shale.

Fracking engineers study the well bore's sides to determine many characteristics particular to each fracking site. The depth level, rock density, and orientation of stress fractures are used to infer the dimensions of shale-holding natural gas sources. Seismology is employed to study micro seismic events, or tiny earthquakes, caused by the hydraulic pressure to map the height and width of a fracturing site. These micro-earthquakes have a very small magnitude level, too small to be detected at the surface, but are crucial to charting accurate maps of each site.

Controversy

Fracking is a controversial practice that proponents claim benefits the economy too significantly to be stopped by its many negative side effects. They say fracking produces the extremely valuable natural gas and oil needed to make our industries strong. Opponents to fracking disagree, claiming that the impacts on the environment counter any benefits. These impacts include contaminated ground water, radon air pollution, ground surface pollution, and over-depletion of fresh water. They say all these hazards to the environment combined with threats to public health are reasons enough to ban fracking for natural gas. They also claim damaging seismic activity has taken place because of fracking's effects on once unknown tectonic fault lines.

Another related issue in fracking, is the brine solution recovered at the surface of fracking wells, sometimes contains the radioactive minerals radon, radium, uranium, and thorium. Animals and humans exposed to the radiation experience long-term effects on health. Radon in particular is well known to cause lung cancer in humans. The issue of radon is exacerbated because it is somewhat soluble in water, thus spreading the areas of contamination at the surface.

Radon Resistant New Construction

Passive Radon System in New Home

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that is also invisible. Radon can only be detected by using proper equipment. The decay of radium in the soil causes radon. Radon is considered a radioactive noble gas. Chronic exposure to high radon levels has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer. This is why radon testing is so crucial. There are certain techniques that are used efficiently to reduce radon such as radon testing. Radon can be reduced this is why it is important to have radon testing in homes and when building a new house. Radon testing is affordable and should be done to ensure the safety of you and your family.

When building a house there are rules and special protocols that must be constructed to build a new home. Radon testing is a requirement. When building a new home it is crucial to make sure that soil entry points are sealed. Radon must be vented outdoors. There is a passive radon system that does not require fans or energy to move the gas in the air. By reducing soil gas and placing piping to allow proper ventilation so the harmful gas dos not accumulate. A vertical pipe connects to a t-shaped pipe in the slab and it also connects to a vent. This vent can run through the roof to allow ventilation of radon and other harmful gases safely. The pipe is usually ran about twelve inches above the roof. This is called a passive radon system.

Radon resistant new construction has been receiving more attention from the federal and state agencies. This is because radon resistant new construction refers to process of constructing a home for future radon systems to be placed. Radon resistant new construction allows contractors to place in radon systems before the slab is even poured. The radon resistant new construction helps to save lives by reducing radon within homes. Radon resistant new construction is updating their standards with the EPA.

A passive radon system can be installed by a professional. They also guarantee that a passive radon system will reduce radon levels within a home. If a pipe is not properly installed then a passive radon system will not work properly. This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional. All installers must follow EPA radon guidelines when installing a passive radon system.

Radon mitigation is the process of getting rid of radon gases. The first step to radon mitigation is to test and see if the radon levels need to be reduced. Ventilation is a form of radon mitigation. Radon mitigation can also test water supplies for contamination. Kits for radon mitigation are available but it is ideal to let professionals handle any concerns you may have.

According to the World Health Organization Radon Program, systems can be either passive or an active. Active radon mitigation consists of four elements. If you have an active radon mitigation system it is a good idea to have a professional test your home periodically. Active radon mitigation uses a blower that constantly pulls out air. A monitor verifies proper ventilation in active radon mitigation. To bring down radon levels have a passive or active radon mitigation installed.

Radon's Relationship to Cancer

Types of Cancer and How Radon Contributes to Contraction

Cancer: It's a reality we don't like to think about. However, approximately 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. By understanding the common types, you can take steps to minimize your risk.

Radon Link to Lung and Bronchus Cancer
Most understand the link between smoking and lung and bronchus cancer. However, there is a hidden danger you may be exposed to without even knowing it. Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, may be present in your home. 
Most radon exposure occurs indoors, and elevated radon levels have been identified in every state. When radon decays, it becomes radon progeny, which attaches to dust and can be easily breathed in. To avoid the development of lung and bronchus cancer due to radon exposure, having a professional radon-testing company to test your home is the best step.

Prostate Cancer
Approximately one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 27,540 die annually as a result. On the plus side, most men are able to survive prostate cancer. Regular checkups are the key to early prevention. Although there are limited studies that link radon exposure to this type of cancer, most scientists agree that exposure to radiation (which is what radon gas is) will increase the risk of acquiring many forms of cancer.

Breast Cancer
Men and women both should be aware of breast cancer as it affects both sexes. Signs that breast cancer may be developing include:

• Change in the feel of the nipple

• Discharge

• Presence of a lump

Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer both share many of the same symptoms and often begin as a polyp. These growths in the colon or rectum do not always turn cancerous, but those experiencing rectal bleeding should have colon and rectal cancer screening performed.

Bladder Cancer
If you have noticed blood in your urine, you are exhibiting the most common sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer causes approximately 16,000 deaths in the US annually, so symptoms should be taken seriously. Radon within a home's water supply can increase the risk of bladder cancer by causing genetic mutations within cells of the digestive organs.

Melanoma Skin Cancer
Early-stage melanoma skin cancer is easily treated, so early detection is essential. Those suffering with melanoma skin cancer have various treatment options including:

• Surgery

• Immunotherapy

• Chemotherapy

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the immune system, and it can be confused with Hodgkin lymphoma. If you are have swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fatigue, weight loss and fever, ruling out Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is important.

Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer, which occurs in the neck, comes in various forms. However, they share similar symptoms including a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, and throat pain. Thyroid cancer treatment can be highly effective when detected early.

Kidney, Renal Cell, and Renal Pelvis Cancer
Kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer are synonymous, and 61,560 new cases are diagnosed annually. Those at a higher risk of the development of kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer include smokers and those who are overweight. These illnesses can be prevented by testing the local water supply for radon and curing the problem if it exists via a aeration mitigation system.

Endometrial Cancer
Beginning in the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer affects approximately 650,000 women annually. Those particularly susceptible of development of endometrial cancer include women who have never been pregnant and those who have had more years of menstruation.

Leukemia
Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, comes in many forms. The white blood cells prevent infection, but those suffering with leukemia have deformities in these cells, so infections can turn deadly. Treatment options vary and are dependent on factors such as age and the type of leukemia cells found. Although scientific studies are still in the works to identify the definitive link between indoor radon exposure and leukemia, the risk of getting the disease is reduced as exposure to environmental radiation (such as radon gas) is minimized.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more common than many realize, and symptoms can start off as subtle. If you are experiencing continual bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and pale-colored stools, schedules an examination to rule out pancreatic cancer. Limiting ingestion of radioactive particles from well and municipal water supplies can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer which makes testing for radon in drinking water of utmost importance.
In summary, there are many forms of cancer that we as humans are susceptible to contracting. By making efforts to live a "safe" lifestyle, eat a healthy foods, and limit exposure to radon gas; we can all minimize the risks of acquiring many of these forms of cancers.