A recent study cited by Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) has found significant and widespread releases of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations around a coal seam gas field near Tara, Queensland.

 

The hotspot concentrations of methane were detected within the gas field at three times higher than background levels. The DEA have attributed the use of drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), saying it can release contaminants into sediments and aquifers, which subsequently escape into the air.

 

 “While methane at these levels in the air would be unlikely to cause direct health effects, it is of concern that this may indicate leakage of other chemicals which can affect health at relatively low concentrations” said DEA spokesperson Dr Helen Redmond.

 

“Research from the US has found systematic evidence for methane contamination of drinking water associated with unconventional gas extraction.”

 

“Other air contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were not measured as part of this study, but are known from studies overseas to be released from gas fields which are fracked” said Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, Senior advisor to National Toxics Network. 

 

The DEA sited a recent study published in the Science of the Total Environment jounrla, which found that residents living closest to gas wells had significantly higher risks of neurological, respiratory and other health effects and higher cancer risks than those living further away.

 

“National Toxics Network recently undertook preliminary sampling of air and water in the Tara region and found evidence of the release of VOCs at the well-head 24 hours after being hydraulically fractured. These included known and suspected carcinogens like benzene and bromodichloromethane, as well as a range of other toxic compounds.” said Dr Lloyd-Smith.

 

A number of Tara residents have been calling on the government for some time to investigate their health complaints. Symptoms reported included headaches, rashes, nausea and vomiting, nose bleeds, eye and throat irritation.

 

“While the cause of these symptoms have not yet been determined, they show many similarities to symptoms experienced by communities living in gas fields overseas. Hydrocarbon exposure cannot be ruled out as a cause without much more comprehensive investigation” said to Dr Redmond.

 

DEA is continuing to call for immediate action to protect the health and safety of local communities.