El fracking It is a technique used to extract natural gas from different underground deposits. The gas that is exploited accumulates in the pores and fissures of sedimentary rocks. Generally, the rocks from which this gas is extracted are slate and marl, thanks to the fact that its low permeability prevents the gas from moving to other areas where it is more difficult to extract.
However, this natural gas extraction technique causes secondary effects on the environment. The most affected are obviously the soils. But also in the natural gas extraction process, other components of nature such as water, animals and vegetation and human health are affected.
We cannot deny that fracking favors the economy generating jobs, providing natural gas to companies, and making large profits for those who exploit it. That is why this activity is defended and supported by many companies and governments. However, the dangers to health and the environment are increasing more and more.
In order to extract the natural gas, toxic chemicals are injected into the soil. It is carried out at high pressure and the wastewater is then pumped deep to extract the gas.
Among the side effects that it can cause we have eight most important:
1- The first is the water contamination. During the hydraulic fracturing process, a significant amount of methane gas and toxic products are filtered that can contaminate groundwater. That fluid that is injected is not biodegradable and can only be recovered between 30% and 50%, the rest remains polluting water and soil.
2- Lack of water. CThus, 90% of the water used in fracking is not recovered, and droughts and water shortages in the countries are increasing, so a large amount of this scarce good is wasted.
3- Health consequences. The fluid that is extracted is put into the open air so that it volatilizes and generates volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere and if it is breathed by people it negatively affects health.
4- It is confirmed that fracking causes Earthquakes