On Wells and Wellness: Oil and Gas Flaring as a Potential Risk Factor for Preterm Birth

摘要

Several studies have examined the association between unconventional oil and gas development and adverse birth outcomes. But up to now, no study is known to have looked specifically at flaring—the controlled burning of natural gas at the well site to relieve pressure or dispose of waste gas.1 In a recent article in Environmental Health Perspectives, investigators report their findings on flaring and maternal and fetal outcomes.2 The Eagle Ford Shale is one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. Texas state regulations had previously restricted flaring, but these have since been relaxed; flaring is now common practice in the Eagle Ford Shale.3 Gas flaring, in particular, has increased substantially in the United States during the last 5 years, increasing by 48% just between 2017 and 2018.4 This increase was seen mainly in the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shales in Texas, areas that saw rapid growth in 2018.4 Flaring releases multiple greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants.5 It also causes noise and light pollution,6 potentially affecting sleep quality and increasing stress. Using a retrospective cohort design, researchers obtained birth records from more than 23,000 women living in the 27 counties associated with the Eagle Ford Shale during 2012 to 2015. They linked these records with satellite observations of flaring within 5 km of the residence where each woman lived when she gave birth.