Pennsylvania sits on top of exceptional shale gas reserves that are being tapped using a technique of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” Amid research suggesting potential health risks associated with these activities, as well as potential environmental contamination of air and groundwater in impacted  regions, many concerns have been raised and questions asked.

Delaware Valley Grantmakers and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia are pleased to present this symposium which will offer insights and expand the discussion on the potential human and environmental risks and implications of shale gas development.

This program will feature a presentation by Robert E. Oswald, PhD, and Michelle Bamberger, DVM, on their recently published article, “Impacts of Gas Drilling on Animal and Human Health.” In addition, Diane Schrauth, environmental strategy consultant and Principal of Schrauth Consulting, LLC, will moderate a panel discussion with Raina Rippel of the Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project and David Carey, PhD, Director of Geisinger Health System’s Weis Center for Research.  Ms. Rippel will offer perspectives on what the project has learned so far about the health impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Pennsylvania, while Dr. Carey will discuss how Geisinger is using data to help understand the health effects of these activities in the communities it serves. 

Program Agenda:

•  8:30 AM – Registration, Networking (Continental Breakfast Served)
• 9:00 AM – Welcome and Overview
• 9:10 AM – Presentation: “Impacts of Gas Drilling on Animal and Human Health”

Robert E. Oswald, PhD

Michelle Bamberger, DVM

• 9:55 AM – Break
• 10:05 AM – Panel Discussion

               Raina Rippel, Southwest PA Environmental Health Project

               David Carey, PhD, Weis Center for Reseach, Geisinger Health System

• 11:30 AM – Wrap-up/Conclusions
• 11:35 AM – Networking

 Sponsored by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, its Section on Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Delaware Valley Grantmakers, and The Claneil Foundation.