There are 398,787 active oil and gas field facilities in Texas. Within a half-mile of these facilities, there are:
- 3 million Texans
- 904 schools
- 78 medical facilities
Research shows proximity to oil and gas facilities is connected to a variety of health issues that arise within a distance of a half-mile or less, including:
- Headaches
- Burning lungs
- Sore throats
- Nosebleeds
While it is not guaranteed that you will become sick if you live within a half-mile of an oil and gas facility, there is definitely cause for concern. Many Texans are especially concerned about these health risks after House Bill 40 passed last year. This bill prohibits cities from banning drilling and limits the city’s control of the process, effectively making the state in charge. While there has been a slowdown of drilling, the air has apparently not cleared at all and the health of residents has not improved.
Are you concerned that you and your family may be in danger of experiencing the aftermath of oil and gas air pollution? If so, check out Earthwork’s Oil & Gas Threat Map to see if you and your family might be affected.