Environmental and individual PAH exposures near rural natural gas extraction

L. Blair Paulik, Kevin A. Hobbie, Diana Rohlman, Brian W. Smith, Richard P. Scott, Laurel Kincl, Erin N. Haynes, Kim A. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Natural gas extraction (NGE) has expanded rapidly in the United States in recent years. Despite concerns, there is little information about the effects of NGE on air quality or personal exposures of people living or working nearby. Recent research suggests NGE emits polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into air. This study used low-density polyethylene passive samplers to measure concentrations of PAHs in air near active (n = 3) and proposed (n = 2) NGE sites. At each site, two concentric rings of air samplers were placed around the active or proposed well pad location. Silicone wristbands were used to assess personal PAH exposures of participants (n = 19) living or working near the sampling sites. All samples were analyzed for 62 PAHs using GC-MS/MS, and point sources were estimated using the fluoranthene/pyrene isomer ratio. ∑PAH was significantly higher in air at active NGE sites (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p < 0.01). PAHs in air were also more petrogenic (petroleum-derived) at active NGE sites. This suggests that PAH mixtures at active NGE sites may have been affected by direct emissions from petroleum sources at these sites. ∑PAH was also significantly higher in wristbands from participants who had active NGE wells on their properties than from participants who did not (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p < 0.005). There was a significant positive correlation between ∑PAH in participants’ wristbands and ∑PAH in air measured closest to participants’ homes or workplaces (simple linear regression, p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that living or working near an active NGE well may increase personal PAH exposure. This work also supports the utility of the silicone wristband to assess personal PAH exposure. Living or working near natural gas extraction activity may increase your PAH exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)397-405
Number of pages9
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume241
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 The Authors

Keywords

  • Air pollution
  • Fracking
  • Monitoring
  • Organic contaminant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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