A peer-reviewed, five-state study found “potentially dangerous compounds and chemical mixtures” that could have negative health effects in the air near oil and gas production sites, according to an article from National Geographic. Air was monitored near sites in Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.
Laboratory testing uncovered benzene, formaldehyde or other toxic substances associated with oil and gas production at levels above what the government considers safe for brief or longer-term exposure in 40% of the air samples.