http://www.latimes.com/news/local/environment/la-me-gs-fracking-increases-air-pollution-health-risks-to-residents-20120320,0,7159850.story

According to a study implemented by the Colorado School of Public Health, hydraulic fracturing can cause acute and chronic health issues to those living within half a mile of a drill site.  The study has been occurring for the last 3 years while monitoring drill locations all over Colorado.  Toxic hydrocarbons were found in the air including benzene, a known carcinogen designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The EPA has also recognized that Garfield County, Colorado is due to see increased drilling activity.

The study revealed several harmful risks that come with the air pollution near the drill sites.  Those living in close vicinity with the drill locations are at risk for basic eye irritation and headaches to leukemia and myeloma.  With the current regulation that requires drill sites to be 150 feet away from homes, citizens of Garfield County are going to be at major risk for developing these harmful ailments.

If there is any study indicating any risk to a population, the plug should be pulled on what ever operation that is responsible for the risk.  The study says that those within a half of a mile to a drill site are at risk and yet the current rule is only 150 feet away from homes.  It is just yet another example of the flawed system that runs the hydraulic fracturing industry.  A simple suspension of all fracking sites must be implemented to give time for the corporations to come together and develop a solution that will fix all the imperfections of the regulations for  the industry.