University of Pittsburgh researchers recently found that children living within a mile of a fracked well had 5 to 7 times the chance of developing lymphoma; within 10 miles were 4 to 5 times more likely to experience severe asthma attacks; and babies had lower birth weights. Other studies indicate children are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and have increased risk of birth defects. More difficult pregnancies, bladder and thyroid cancers, and heart problems have also been noted.

Tragically, the list grows. The Pennsylvania Medical Society urged a moratorium and New York banned fracking due to health concerns.

Families should not be forced to accept these risks. Protect your community by not signing a lease; many chemicals used to frack are toxic. Exporting gas has to end; gas leaves the country while residents pay with their health.

Companies with violations should not receive Department of Environmental Protection permits to drill more wells. Communities should strengthen zoning ordinances to protect residents; too many super­visors were swayed by dollars for playgrounds and fairs in exchange for changing the landscape forever from rural to industrial, from clean to toxic.

And too many legislators and government officials are backed by gas industry dollars. Let’s vote for candidates who are beholden not to the gas industry but to the people.

What kind of culture chooses to sacrifice the health of its children, grandchildren, future generations for profit? Let’s not mince words; that is precisely what Pennsylvania is doing, and it needs to stop.

Jan Milburn

Ligonier Township

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