Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Shale Gas Development

Research indicates that shale gas development uses and produces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), exposure to which can produce negative impacts on health, including liver damage, increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, decreased birth weights, and kidney and testicular cancer. The Environmental Health Project (EHP) proposes to educate residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, which are some of the highest-fracked counties in the state) on the importance of being aware of PFAS risk, especially related to shale gas development, and to encourage families to take steps to lessen or mitigate exposure. To accomplish this, EHP will work to empower residents with relevant health information and recommendations on how to best protect themselves from PFAS and how to mobilize community partners, leaders, and health professionals by combining resources developed in-house with PubMed.