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2441755 
Journal Article 
The Environmental Costs and Benefits of Fracking 
Jackson, RB; Vengosh, A; Carey, JW; Davies, RJ; Darrah, TH; O'sullivan, F; Pétron, G 
2013 
Yes 
Annual Review of Environment and Resources
ISSN: 1543-5938
EISSN: 1545-2050 
Annual Review of Environment and Resources 
39 
1 
140822120156004 
WOS:000348446900013 
Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction enabled by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is driving an economic boom, with consequences described from "revolutionary" to "disastrous." Reality lies somewhere in between. Unconventional energy generates income and, done well, can reduce air pollution and even water use compared with other fossil fuels. Alternatively, it could slow the adoption of renewables and, done poorly, release toxic chemicals into water and air. Primary threats to water resources include surface spills, wastewater disposal, and drinking-water contamination through poor well integrity. An increase in volatile organic compounds and air toxics locally are potential health threats, but the switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation will reduce sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and particulate air pollution. Data gaps are particularly evident for human health studies, for the question of whether natural gas will displace coal compared with renewables, and for decadal-scale legacy issues of well leakage and plugging and abandonment practices. Critical topics for future research 
horizontal drilling; hydraulic fracturing; induced seismicity; shale gas; water resources; air quality; well integrity