NIOSH reports on worker exposure to crystalline silica during hydraulic fracturing

Image: A cartoon of the fracking process.

ishn.com - July 16, 2014

Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”  is the process of injecting large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to break up shale formation allowing more efficient recovery of oil and gas. This form of well stimulation has been used since the late 1940s, but has increased substantially during the past 10 years with the advent of horizontal drilling technology that greatly improves access to gas deposits in shale.

Approximately 435,000 workers were employed in the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry in 2010; nearly half of those workers were employed by well servicing companies, which includes companies that conduct hydraulic fracturing (BLS).

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