Re: [CAF_Members] Earthworks report on health impacts from O&G in CA

[Brian Haberly]

Hi Climate Leaders! - 

A persuasive new report on ongoing health issues tied to oil and gas development in California was released yesterday by the organization 'Earthworks'.  They used special infrared cameras and took air samples in Upper Ojai in Ventura County and Lost Hills in Kern County, and have documented ongoing exposure to dangerous chemicals by young students, neighborhood residents, oil field workers and more, and they are calling on the state of California Dept. of Public Health to perform more detailed health surveys.

This report's significance could be HUGE, as the health impacts of fracking in NY State were what were cited by Gov. Cuomo and his advisors as primary reasons for banning fracking.

Here is an excerpt from the new Earthworks report's conclusion, and a link to the full report if you wish to read more.

Thanks for all you do!  

p.s.  Be sure to get your bus ticket to the February 7th March for Real Climate Leadership in Oakland before they are all sold out.  www.bitly.com/350SVBUS

March info at http://marchforclimateleadership.org/

Brian Haberly

Conclusions 

Using a combination of FLIR camera filming, air sampling, and health surveys, the results show that the communities of Upper Ojai in Ventura County, and Lost Hills in Kern County, are being exposed to air contaminants typically associated with oil and gas production. These contaminants may be negatively affecting the health of the residents, and pose a serious risk of long-term exposure and public health if nothing is done to mitigate their effects. Since the frequency and number of samples was limited,the results of this investigation should be viewed as a snapshot of air emissions from two communities near oil and gas development, and their potential impacts on public health, and not as a generalizable result. 

FLIR camera filming revealed visible emissions from several oil and gas facilities. The case of the well abandonment in Upper Ojai showed that operators are failing to follow and enforce health and safety procedures for their workers. Air sampling revealed the presence of 15 dangerous health associated compounds known to have negative effects on human health, as well as 11 compounds for which no data is available. Additionally, sampling revealed the presence of a compound that could not be identified by the lab. Health surveys revealed data on the frequency of odors experienced by the communities—every day in Lost Hills—and the health symptoms that arise from odors caused by oil and gas development. 

As seen in the results from the air sampling and health surveys, residents in both study communities are suffering from odors, oil and gas development close to their homes, and show evidence of health problems that are consistent with the oil and gas contaminants detected in each community. The results show that negative health impacts from oil and gas development can occur regardless of differential community demographics. 

On Fri, Jan 23, 2015 at 12:28 PM, Jhon Arbelaez <jarb...@earthworksaction.org> wrote:

Good afternoon everyone,

I wanted to share a report by Earthworks that was published yesterday. Please follow the link below to download it. 

By using a combination of FLIR camera filming, air samples, and health surveys, we were able to identify air emissions that communities in Ventura and Kern Counties are being exposed to. Data from the health surveys shows that everytime residents smell hydrocarbons odors in the air, they experience a host of health symptoms that are associated with exposure to byproducts of oil and gas development, such as headaches and nosebleeds.

Although mostly treated as an environmental issue, oil and gas facilities close to homes and communities is truly a public health issue. So far, there are no studies specific to California that look at how oil and gas development is affecting public health. Oftentimes, the communities that are most heavily affected are low-income communities of color. 

We are calling on the California Department of Public Health to look into this matter, as was the case in New York, and help safeguard the health of all Californians. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

http://www.earthworksaction.org/library/detail/californians_at_risk_full_report#.VMFSbXB4rkA

Warm regards,

-- 

=== EARTHWORKS:  Protecting Communities and the Environment

Jhon Arbelaez
California Organizer
P: 970-259-3353 x1

M: 323-513-5430
skype: jhon.arbelaez-ewa
jarb...@earthworksaction.org
twitter: @earthworks

facebook: /earthworksaction

www.earthworksaction.org 

www.shakyground.org

Combined Federal Campaign #41290, Member of EarthShare

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