Shale and Public Health conference set for Nov. 18
Some of the first research using the Geisinger Health System data to explore the health impacts of shale gas development will be presented at the “Shale and Public Health” conference, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 18. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the conference will take place at the University Club in Oakland (across from Soldiers and Sailors).
In addition to investigating impacts of the drilling, fracking and extraction of shale gas on our health, the conference will also examine related processes such as the disposal of wastes from shale gas development, and health concerns about ethane crackers. Nationally known experts such as MacArthur Fellow Wilma Subra of Louisiana will speak on ethane crackers, shale gas development and public health. Dr. Brian Schwartz of Johns Hopkins, a senior investigator for the Geisinger Center for Health Research, will present newly published research. Local speakers include Dr. Cynthia Richburg of IUP who is studying the impacts of noise from shale gas development, and Dr. Bruce Pitt of the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health presenting a recently published study on birth impacts.
A new addition to this year’s conference is a roundtable brainstorming session where the public can interact with experts and civic leaders. There will also be a special break-out session for health professionals, led by a pediatrician and a family nurse practitioner, on addressing shale health issues in one’s practice.
The conference is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Preregister to attend at shale.palwv.org or by calling 1-800-61-SHALE. All attendees will receive an updated copy of the League’s “Shale Gas Extraction and Public Health: A Resource Guide.”