Peggy
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Health Effects of Shale Gas Extraction Focus of Symposium - November 19, 2010
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is
convening a meeting today of experts from across the country meeting to
explore what is known and not known about the health impacts of
extracting, refining and delivering natural gas from shale deposits,
including the Marcellus Shale. The conference will identify issues for
which timely research studies can be used to support sound policy
decisions. Presenters also will discuss the latest research findings on
water management and economics related to gas extraction.

Natural gas plays a key role in the nation's clean energy future and
energy independence. Over the past few years, several key economic and
energy policy developments have spurred increased gas extraction and the
use of hydraulic fracturing to recover gas over diverse geographic
regions and geologic formations. However, as with any technology that
involves management of potentially toxic substances, questions have been
raised about the impact of increased hydraulic fracturing and other gas
extraction procedures on drinking water resources, air quality, public
health and the environment in the vicinity of gas extraction facilities.

"Given recent concerns voiced over gas extraction procedures such as
those at the Marcellus Shale, it is essential and timely to bring
together experts to share information and shape the focus of future
research," said Dr. Conrad Dan Volz, director of The Center for Healthy
Environments and Communities at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate
School of Public Health (GSPH) and assistant professor, GSPH's
department of environmental and occupational health.

The symposium, sponsored by the Heinz Endowments and the R. K. Mellon
Foundation, will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the University
Club, 123 University Place, Oakland, CA.

Presentations will be made available on the website after the
conference. http://www.eoh.pitt.edu/marcellus.asp#presentations

For more information, http://www.eoh.pitt.edu/marcellus.asp.