Best practice will minimise risks to shale gas exposure

Published today, the review of scientific literature focussed on the potential impact of chemicals and radioactive material from all stages of shale gas extraction, including the fracturing - fracking - of shale.

As there is no commercial shale gas extraction in the UK, the draft report drew information from countries where it is taking place.

Dr John Harrison, director of PHE’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said: ‘The currently available evidence indicates that the potential risks to public health from exposure to emissions associated with the shale gas extraction process are low if operations are properly run and regulated.

‘Where potential risks have been identified in other countries, the reported problems are typically due to operational failure.

‘Good on-site management and appropriate regulation of all aspects of exploratory drilling, gas capture as well as the use and storage of fracking fluid is essential to minimise the risks to the environment and health.’