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High Pollution Levels Found Near Ohio Gas Wells
By: Associated Press
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A study in a rural Ohio county experiencing a boom in oil and gas drilling has found levels of pollutants around well sites higher than those detected in downtown Chicago.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Oregon State University placed 25 monitoring devices on properties near wells in Carroll County, about 100 miles south of Cleveland, and collected samples of hydrocarbons during a three-week period in February. Some of the hydrocarbons measured are produced by vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, asphalt and from burning combustibles.
Researchers hope to determine if there are any health concerns for those living near oil and gas wells. An Ohio oil and gas industry representative says studies have shown that hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, does not cause negative health effects.