Potentially harmful chemicals being used to drill for natural gas in Pa.
By Marc Levy, APMonday, June 28, 2010
Potentially harmful chemicals used in Pa. drilling
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Compounds associated with neurological problems or other serious health effects are among the chemicals being used to drill natural gas wells in Pennsylvania.
The Associated Press has obtained a list that state Environmental Protection officials say they hope to post online soon.
It is believed to be the first complete catalog of drilling chemicals used in Pennsylvania, where the rapidly growing industry is pursuing the Marcellus Shale formation.
Environmental advocates worry the chemicals are poisoning underground drinking water sources, although state officials say they know of no such incident.
The list was assembled from information provided by the companies. The chemicals are used in a process called hydraulic fracturing and appear in many consumer products.
Industry officials say the chemicals are heavily diluted by water and are handled safely.
