PM2.5 Airborne Particulates Near Frac Sand Operations

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a popular method for extracting natural gas from shale deposits below the earth's crust. "Freshly-fractured" silica appears to be 2 to 5 times more reactive with animal lung tissue than "weathered" silica, though weathering occurs within several days and with exposure to water. Numerous reports of dust accumulation at people's homes and businesses have led to an increased need to investigate air quality surrounding those frac sand facilities. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively characterize the PM2.5 and PM10 particulate concentrations in the air around frac sand facilities and evaluate the risk as compared to national standards.