Via Oil and Gas Journal – Findings show actual data needed for informed statements about radon risk and natural gas, 12/03/2015 – Lynn Kerr McKay, King & Spalding, Washington, DC; Bruce R. Hurley King & Spalding, Houston.

“Actual measurements and evaluation of potential exposure pathways demonstrate that claims of risk of harm due to radon in shale gas produced by hydraulic fracturing are unfounded. An Oct. 14 edition of the “Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking (Unconventional Gas and Oil Extraction)” offers another opportunity to emphasize the importance of using actual measurements to inform statements about risk. The Compendium was published by the Concerned Health Professionals of New York and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Pre- and post-drilling and production measurements and informed modeling are needed to address claims regarding risk in regulatory and litigation settings. The Compendium’s discussion of risks associated with “radioactive releases,” includes reference to reports of high levels of radon in buildings in “heavily drilled areas of Pennsylvania,” and of “[u]nsafe levels of radon and its decay products” in Marcellus shale natural gas that may “pose risks to end-users when allowed to travel into homes.” The Compendium cites supporting articles and studies for each scenario. These references rely on estimated data, instead of actual measurements, and lack evidence of an informed assessment of the risk associated with radon concentrations in Marcellus shale natural gas.”