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Criticism Of Fracking

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Criticism of hydraulic mine fracturing is rooted in the idea that the chemicals released from the process into the ground will be detrimental to the health of those residing near contaminated areas. “The sand and water used in the process are mixed with up to 600 different different types of chemicals per mine fracture. Mercury, lead, uranium, hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde and radium are all found within the fracking fluid.” (Dangers of Fracking). These toxic chemicals leak into the groundwater and serve as unsafe drinking water to surrounding cities. “There have been over 1,000 documented cases of water contamination next to areas of gas drilling as well as cases of sensory, respiratory, and neurological damage due to ingested contaminated water” (Dangers of Fracking). Most of the non biodegradable toxic fluid remains in the ground while only a small percentage is recovered. Volatile organic compounds are released into the air due to the remaining fluid resulting in a contamination of the air, ground level ozone and acid rain.

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