While the business of hydraulic fracturing is booming, fracking chemicals found in the drinking water is a major concern for citizens across America. To add to the frustration for Pennsylvania residents, there is now a law that could prevent doctors from sharing information about the chemicals that are being used in the drilling process. Doctors can access this information, but they can’t share it with patients.

In 2010, there was an award winning film known as Gasland, that aired on HBO. The director of the film, Josh Fox, was arrested earlier this year, while trying to film at a House hearing. Why was there an attempt to suppress media at the hearing?

Fracking is a very controversial procedure that is also being marketed in Europe, and shale gas production could begin in Poland in the year 2014.  The people of Europe and Asia should be concerned about the dangers of fracking.

Shale drilling is largely unregulated and ecologists have spoken with families that have endured the effects. Increased levels of methane gas in water supplies have been reported in areas of intensive drilling. The water is undrinkable.

The wastewater that eventually winds up in the rivers of Pennsylvania may not be as safe as federal regulators are proposing. There are confidential reports that have exposed the dangers of waste contaminants.

There can be no guarantee that the drinking water is safe where production of shale drilling is active.

The chemicals that are pumped into the ground are not potable. The enormous quantities of fracking waste cannot be disposed of in a safe manner. Many times the contaminated water is dumped on or near private lands. The cumulative impact of contamination is not being properly addressed.

The long-lasting effect of radium 226 is considered lethal. Even government studies claim that levels of radium over a long period can lead to death and other severe health problems. “Based upon our current knowledge, it is assumed that any radiation exposure (from radium) carries some degree of risk.”

It is estimated that 95% of the shale drilling is not being regulated adequately. “The estimate of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Preservation is 1 serious environmental concern for every 150 wells drilled to date.”

A study that will be published this month in Science of the Total Environment reveals: “Benzene, a carcinogen, and chemicals that can irritate eyes and cause headaches, sore throats or difficulty breathing, were found in air close to the wells.”

Another 2011 study identified 632 chemicals used in natural gas operations. Only 353 of these are well-described in the scientific literature; and of these, more than 75% could affect skin, eyes, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems; roughly 40-50% could affect the brain and nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems and the kidneys; 37% could affect the endocrine system; and 25% were carcinogens and mutagens. The study indicated possible long-term health effects that might not appear immediately.

Out of eight major drilling companies that the EPA made a voluntary request, only Halliburton was subpoenaed for information on the chemicals it uses for hydraulic fracturing.

There is intense  pressure from corporations to drill for gas. The crushing force of economically challenged cities may compel them to be lured into even more drilling. However, there is no price on safe drinking water.