Department of Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology, Utah State University, 0730 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-0730, USA.
Department of Social Science, University of Texas-Permian Basin, 4901 East University, Odessa, TX 79762, USA.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Feb 13;17(4):1186. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041186.
At the core of the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) debate is the level of perceived risk involved with extractive industries, such as the release of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, increased population growth, and truck traffic. However, industry supporters of fracking acclaim the benefits of oil and gas drilling, such as energy independence and economic gains. In this study, we examine the perceived impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on community health and well-being based on interviews with anti-fracking activists in Denton, Texas who were active in the "anti-fracking" community organization, Frack Free Denton (FFD). Emergent from the interviews, we discuss the socio-psychological stressors these community members experienced following the introduction of hydraulic fracturing in the region. Some of the major socio-psychological impacts included perceived physical health risks through anxiety surrounding toxins and carcinogens that may be released through this process. Participants also discussed stress put on community relations, primarily through the form of an "us vs. them" mentality related to the support for, or opposition to, fracking in the community. Moreover, we found anxiety and stress surrounding trust in community members' relationships with governing bodies, such as the federal government, state government, and local governments. This research will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how fracking can impact the socio-psychological well-being of the community.
水力压裂（压裂）辩论的核心是人们对采掘业（如有毒和致癌化学物质的释放、人口增长和卡车交通）的风险感知程度。然而，水力压裂的行业支持者称赞石油和天然气钻探的好处，如能源独立和经济收益。在这项研究中，我们根据对德克萨斯州丹顿的反压裂活动人士的采访，考察了水力压裂对社区健康和福祉的感知影响，这些活动人士积极参与了“反压裂”社区组织“丹顿无压裂”（FFD）。从采访中得出，我们讨论了这些社区成员在该地区引入水力压裂后经历的社会心理压力源。一些主要的社会心理影响包括通过围绕可能通过这一过程释放的毒素和致癌物产生的焦虑来感知身体健康风险。参与者还讨论了对社区关系的压力，主要是通过与支持或反对社区压裂相关的“我们与他们”心态。此外，我们发现了对社区成员与联邦政府、州政府和地方政府等管理机构的关系的信任感到焦虑和压力。这项研究将使人们更全面地了解压裂如何影响社区的社会心理幸福感。
