Disadvantages Of Fracking

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The purpose of this research is merely informative, trying to being objective and simply presenting its characteristics, its technique, its advantages and disadvantages to educate our population in the topic. There are many voices and different positions on hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as "Fracking". A technique that began to become popular in the US in the 70's, but has not been until now, thanks to the advance of technology, when it has become an economically viable technique.

What is fracking?
Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to recover gas and oil from the interior of shale rocks that are retained at more than two thousand meters deep and that by traditional means of extraction, it is neither possible
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Industries argue that this is only as a result of bad practice, rather than an inherent risk. There is also concern because fracking is thought to cause small earthquakes. Finally, environmentalists believe that by fracking the large energy multinationals and governments stop supporting the research and development of renewable energy to continue betting on fossil fuels and their associated environmental problems.

Advantages

Fracking allows access to gas and oil resources that cannot be exploited in the conventional way. The hydraulic fracturing generates an economic advantage for the countries that use this technique, boosting the production of oil and acquiring the energetic independence of other states, it lowers costs and generates jobs. According to the International Energy Agency, the US could achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2035.

Environment and people's health

- Being a special drilling has risks added to the usual: explosion risks, gas leaks, hydrogen sulfide (very toxic in low concentrations) leaks and pipe formation
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- Unconventional gas consists largely of methane, which is a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than CO 2. Any exhaust in the drilling, fracturing or production phase is more harmful than the gases that are generated later in its combustion.

- As for the chemical risk of the additives, there is a risk of accident in the transfer of the additives to the well. The high volume of trucks (4,000 tons of chemicals are needed), noise pollution, road safety and greenhouse gas emissions are also generated.

- Another problem is the occupation of the land. A large number of wells are required to take advantage of the resources: from 1.5 to 3.5 platforms per km 2, with an occupation of 2 hectares for each one. In addition, this technique involves earth movements, habitat destruction, and creation of toxic mud slurries.

- In addition to these proven environmental risks, there have been cases of cancer, respiratory problems, brain damage, neurological disorders and hypersensitivity to chemicals, mainly due to water and air pollution. These health risks affect the people who live around these farms and also the people who work in them.

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