The Gas And Natural Gas - 1808 Words

With reserves in 31 states, the US has a supply of natural gas large enough to provide the country with energy for decades (â€Å"Gas Drilling: The Story So Far†). Access to these vast deposits is helping to significantly decrease the United States’ reliance on foreign energy, as we have recently become the largest natural gas producer worldwide (â€Å"Hydraulic Fracturing Natural Gas and Oil Development†). In addition to abundance, natural gas has several other benefits as well. Natural gas emits only half as much carbon dioxide when burned than coal does, and currently the cost per unit is only one third that of oil, giving it some clear advantages over other widely used fossil fuels (Harvey, Hal). As stated by chairman of BP Capital T. Boone†¦show more content†¦Many of the additives on this list are known toxins, carcinogens, and volatile organic compounds that are recognized for their ability to cause harm in the human body (Lustgarten, Abraham ). Colborn and her co-authors went a step further to evaluate every chemical on the list in terms of health effects, and the results were alarming. Although the effects were detrimental across the board, Colborn found 71 chemicals that were associated with causing harm in 10 or more areas, including the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive systems. What is even more concerning is that companies find a way to justify their use of harmful substances by claiming that they make up only a small fraction of the injected fluid; less than one percent. However, experts like Colborn believe that even a seemingly small percentage translates to tens of thousands of gallons of these chemicals being pumped underground, and their research shows that even very low doses of the compounds can cause significant damage (Lustgarten, Abraham). One of the most prominent concerns regarding the toxicity of chemical additives lies in the threat of groundwater contamination. A lthough a 2004 EPA study concluded that fracking poses no threat to drinking water, the rising