Health experts call for an indefinite moratorium on fracking in Tasmania …

… as evidence of health threats rise

A group of health experts are calling for an ongoing moratorium on fracking operations in Tasmania until a though assessment of health issues has been done, and it’s made obviously clear who will benefit from this controversial technique.

Spokesperson for Doctors for the Environment Australia, Dr Rohan Church, says evidence against the exploration and mining of unconventional gas reserves is growing both in Australia and internationally and should be cause for extreme caution. Most recently, the UK’s chief scientific adviser Mark Walport, warned in his annual report that fracking could carry unforeseen risks in the same way that thalidomide, asbestos and tobacco did.

Dr Church says these concerns are particularly relevant to Tasmanians who are now waiting on the findings of the Hodgman government’s review of the possibility of hydraulic fracturing in Tasmania, as well as the continuation of the one- year moratorium on the granting of new permits for exploration and mining for unconventional gas.

In its submission to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE), the body responsible for the fracking review, DEA raised concerns about threats to public health of introducing this controversial practice to Tasmania.

“There is a clear lack of evidence to suggest that fracking in Tasmania would be safe for the future of our water supply, agricultural industries or for the health of Tasmanians,” says Dr Church. “And it’s crucial that any decision on fracking prioritise public health first and foremost.”
Fracking uses a cocktail of potent chemicals, sand and water which are used to fracture shale rock deep beneath the surface in order to extract gas. One study has found that as many as one in 40 unconventional gas wells fail and leak in some way.

“As doctors we’re very concerned that some of the chemicals added by the extraction process have not been properly assessed for human or environmental toxicity- some of the chemicals have not even been disclosed by industry,” says Dr Church.
Some chemicals which have been used in Australian unconventional gas operations can affect human hormones at extremely low concentrations, while there is increasing evidence that individuals living within proximity of unconventional gas wells have a higher rate of health problems, in particular respiratory and skin conditions.

These added chemicals are in addition to the many naturally occurring contaminants, including heavy metals and radioactive materials, which are dislodged from the earth by fracking and which are then brought up closer to the surface.

DEA also stated in its submission that fracking can impact on light and noise pollution, and has the potential for tarnishing Tasmania’s image as a holiday destination and reputation as a high quality food and wine destination.

“Until we know the risks and do a proper cost/benefit analysis, we must continue to have a moratorium on fracking,” says Dr Church.

Resources
DEA submission: http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/75%20-%20Doctors%20for%20the%20Environment.pdf

Dr Rohan Church is a doctor working in North-West Tasmania and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia

About DEA

DEA is an independent health advocacy organisation of medical doctors addressing the health impacts of environmental damage http://dea.org.au
DEA is supported by a scientific committee consisting of:

Sir Gustav Nossal, Professor Peter Doherty, Professor Fiona Stanley, Rosemary Stanton, Professor Stephen Boyden, Professor Bob Douglas, Professor Michael Kidd, Professor David de Kretser, Professor Steve Leeder, Professor Ian Lowe, Professor Robyn McDermott, Professor Peter Newman, Professor Hugh Possingham, Professor Lawrie Powell, Norman Swan, Professor David Yencken.
Dr Rohan Church, Doctors for the Environment Australia