Medical professionals led by a former president of the Irish Medical Organisation are to call for a permanent ban of fracking in Ireland. Concerned Health Professionals Ireland (CHPI) involves more than a dozen health practitioners who say there is overwhelming evidence that fracking is dangerous for human health. The Irish Times reports: Dr Paula Gilvarry, a retired GP based in Co Sligo, said the evidence was now “extremely strong” that fracking affects human health. She maintained rashes, sore ears and runny noses have been proven to have been caused by fracking along with respiratory illnesses in children with asthma as a result of the release of hydrogen sulfide. “Aside from other pollutants, we know that benzene in the water will cause leukaemia,” she said. She said there are now 500 peer-reviewed studies that suggest a link between the gas extraction process and poor human health. Fracking involves the process of extracting natural gas from the ground using hydraulic fracturing. The combination of sand and high pressure water shatters the rocks and releases the natural gas. Supporters of the process which is widespread in the United States say it is safe when carried out properly, but opponents say there is a [...]
