Fracking is a process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks and release natural gas inside. Although fracking has been used in the U.S. since the 1950s, it was not until recently that this process made its way up to Canada. Currently, there is a moratorium on fracking in Quebec, but this process is still occurring in many other parts of the country.
Fracking has been shown to have a number of negative environmental impacts, including water contamination, air pollution, and noise pollution. In addition, fracking can also lead to earthquakes. For these reasons, it is important for Canadians to be aware of the dangers of fracking so that they can make informed decisions about whether or not to support this process.
Water Contamination
One of the most well-documented dangers of fracking is water contamination. The chemicals used in fracking fluid can seep into underground water supplies, making them unsafe for human consumption.
In addition, methane gas that is released during fracking can also contaminate water supplies. Methane gas is highly flammable and can lead to explosions if it builds up in enclosed spaces.
Air Pollution
Another danger of fracking is air pollution. The chemicals used in fracking fluid can be released into the air, where they can be breathed in by humans and animals. These chemicals can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory illness, headaches, and nausea. In addition, the methane gas released during fracking can also contribute to air pollution.
Noise Pollution
Fracking is a noisy process that can create significant noise pollution. The constant drilling and pumping can create loud noises that can disrupt sleep and cause stress and anxiety. In addition, the bright lights used during fracking operations can also disturb local wildlife and disrupt their natural sleep cycles.
Conclusion
Fracking is a controversial process that is currently taking place in many parts of Canada. Although there are some benefits to fracking, such as the production of natural gas, there are also many dangers associated with this process. These dangers include water contamination, air pollution, noise pollution, and earthquakes.
For these reasons, it is important for Canadians to be aware of the potential risks before deciding whether or not to support fracking operations in their areas.
The continuous drilling and pumping may produce loud sounds, which can induce worry and anxiety as well as interrupt one’s ability to sleep.