WHAT: At the 2012 “Health Effects of Shale Gas Extraction Conference,” national and local experts will discuss the latest scientific findings and explore new approaches to understanding the environmental health impacts associated with increasing development of natural gas extraction from shale deposits.
WHO: Conference speakers include:
- Glenn Paulson, Ph.D., science advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Karen White, M.Eng., director, Healthy Environments, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, New Brunswick, Canada, Department of Health
- Leonard Casson, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Environmental Engineering Studies
- John Adgate, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
WHERE: University Club Ballroom B, 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, 15260
WHY: In recent years, technical, economic and energy policy developments have spurred increased gas extraction, especially the use of hydraulic fracturing, to recover gas over a greater diversity of geographic regions and geologic formations.
As with any technology that involves potentially toxic substances, there are increasing concerns about the impact that gas extraction could have on drinking water resources, air quality and public health. Federal health and regulatory agencies have identified a lack of scientific research exploring these topics.
This conference seeks to highlight research innovation and point out knowledge gaps to address the public health impacts from developing this important energy resource.
Note to Media: To cover this conference, contact Allison Hydzik, hydzikam@upmc.edu, or Cyndy McGrath, mcgrathc3@upmc.edu.
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About the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, founded in 1948 and now one of the top-ranked schools of public health in the United States, conducts research on public health and medical care that improves the lives of millions of people around the world. Pitt Public Health is a leader in devising new methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer and other important public health problems. For more information about Pitt Public Health, visit the school’s Web site at www.publichealth.pitt.edu.
