New Study Predicts Frack Fluids Can Migrate to Aquifers Within Years

May 1, 2012 - Scientists have theorized that impermeable layers of rock would keep the fluid, which contains benzene and other dangerous chemicals, safely locked nearly a mile below water supplies. This view of the earth's underground geology is a cornerstone of the industry's argument that fracking poses minimal threats to the environment.

But the study, using computer modeling, concluded that natural faults and fractures in the Marcellus, exacerbated by the effects of fracking itself, could allow chemicals to reach the surface in as little as "just a few years." "Simply put, [the rock layers] are not impermeable," said the study's author, Tom Myers, an independent hydrogeologist whose clients include the federal government and environmental groups.

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SOME OF THE CHEMICALS USED
Source of chemical list: FracFocus
Chemical descriptions: Multiple sources

Concentrated hydrochloric acid (fuming hydrochloric acid) forms acidic mists. Both the mist and the solution have a corrosive effect on human tissue, with the potential to damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines.

Ethylene glycol has been shown to be toxic to humans and is also toxic to domestic pets such as cats and dogs. Ethylene glycol is a toxic, colorless, odorless, almost nonvolatile liquid with a sweet taste and is occasionally consumed by children and dogs for its sweetness. Following ingestion the symptoms of poisoning follow a 3 step progression starting with intoxication and vomiting, before causing metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular dysfunction, and finally acute kidney failure.

Dimethylformamide (DMF) has been linked to cancer in humans, and it is thought to cause birth defects. In some sectors of industry women are banned from working with DMF.

Decanol causes a high irritability to skin and eyes, when splashed into the eyes it can cause permanent damage. Inhalation and ingestion can be harmful; it is harmful in the environment.

Moderate respiratory exposure to 2-butoxyethanol often results in irritation of mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. Heavy exposure via respiratory, dermal or oral routes can lead to hypotension, metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, pulmonary edema and coma. Acute exposure to high levels of the glycol ethers in humans results in narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Chronic exposure to the glycol ethers in humans results in fatigue, lethargy, nausea, anorexia, tremor, and anemia. 2-Butoxyethanol has come under scrutiny in Canada.

The following health effects have been reported in hospital workers exposed to glutaraldehyde: Throat and lung irritation; Asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and breathing difficulty; Nose irritation, sneezing, and wheezing; Nosebleed; Burning eyes and conjunctivitis; Rash-contact and/or allergic dermatitis; Staining of the hands (brownish or tan); Hives; Headaches and Nausea.

Quaternary ammonium compounds can display a range of health effects, amongst which are mild skin and respiratory irritation up to severe caustic burns on skin and gastro-intestinal lining (depending on concentration), gastro-intestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), coma, convulsions, hypotension and death.

Distillates (Petroleum), Hydrotreated Light can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, unconsciousness from inhalation; and cough, diarrhea, sore throat, and vomiting from ingestion. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. NIOSH states that it is harmful to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

Quaternary ammonium compounds can display a range of health effects, amongst which are mild skin and respiratory irritation up to severe caustic burns on skin and gastro-intestinal lining (depending on concentration), gastro-intestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), coma, convulsions, hypotension and death.

Distillates (Petroleum), Hydrotreated Light can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, unconsciousness from inhalation; and cough, diarrhea, sore throat, and vomiting from ingestion. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. NIOSH states that it is harmful to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

Ammonium Persulfate airborne dust may be irritating to eyes, nose, lungs, throat and skin upon contact. Exposure to high levels of dust may cause difficulty in breathing in sensitive persons. This product has moderate oral toxicity and sensitive persons may develop dermatitis and asthma.

Mum's the word!
10,000 times in 20 months!

"Of 12,410 instances of hydraulic fracturing in Texas between April 2011 and early December 2012, companies used terms such as “proprietary,” “secret” or “confidential” 10,120 times while reporting data on the FracFocus.org website, according to data collected through early December by the Houston-based Pivot Upstream Group and analyzed by the San Antonio Express-News."
FuelFix.com blog 2-3-13