title: PM 2.5 Airborne Particulates Near Frac Sand Operations.
abstract: The rapid growth of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction in the U.S. has led to 135 active "frac" sand mines, processing plants, and rail transfer stations in Wisconsin. Potential environmental health risks include increased truck traffic, noise, ecosystem loss, and groundwater, light, and air pollution. Emitted air contaminants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and respirable crystalline silica. Inhalation of fine dust particles causes increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and lung cancer. In the authors' pilot study, use of a filter-based ambient particulate monitor found PM2.5 levels of 5.82-50.8 µg/m3 in six 24-hour samples around frac sand mines and processing sites. Enforcement of the existing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency annual PM2.5 standard of 12 µg/m3 is likely to protect the public from silica exposure risks as well. PM2.5 monitoring around frac sand sites is needed to ensure regulatory compliance, inform nearby communities, and protect public health.
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: Jeron
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Zachary
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kroening
authors.forename: Crispin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pierce
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D000067071:Hydraulic Fracking; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011634:Public Health; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards; D014922:Wisconsin
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D012822:Silicon Dioxide