Study links higher radon levels in homes to fracking

Correction: Although the information contained in this article was originally distributed by a science publication and derived from a University of Toledo study, some discrepancies have been pointed out by The Athens NewsThe Shale Gas Reporter will take a closer look at the original study and Ohio Department of Natural Resources data to determine the full extent of the misinformation and post an update. We apologize to our readers, who rely on us for accurate information pertaining to industry activity in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

A University of Toledo study recently connected the proximity of fracking to higher household concentrations of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S, according to Science Daily.

Researchers measured and geocoded data from 118,421 homes across all 88 counties in Ohio between 2007 and 2014, finding the closer the distance between a fracking well and a residence, the higher the indoor radon concentration in the home.

The study also found the average radon concentrations among all tested homes across the state are higher than safe levels outlined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization standards.

Learn more: Science Daily > Fracking linked to higher radon levels in Ohio homes

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