Residents Call for Testing Fracking Wastewater for Radioactive Elements

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 2, 2012
 
Last month, CBC News reported that residents of Windsor, Nova Scotia were concerned over fracking wastewater that may contain radioactive elements.  According to the article, between March of 2010 and August of 2011, seven million liters of the wastewater went through the Canadian town’s sewage treatment plant before entering Minas Basin.
 
The CBC report stated, “Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment approved the disposal, but called it to a halt when it discovered water from the same source contained radioactive elements.”  The government agency has since said that levels posed no danger, but this hasn’t put some residents’ concerns to rest.
 
Concerns over the health effects and potential environmental damage of fracking wastewater have been growing across both Canada and the United States.  One councilor from the area and some residents are demanding more transparency over the issue and continued testing in the area.  Radiation is known to increase the risk of cancer.  The type of radiation to which a person is exposed and the pathway by which they are exposed, influence health effects.
 
“Different types of radiation vary in their ability to damage different kinds of human tissue,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “EMSL offers testing services to determine the radiological content of suspect materials and environmental samples.  These services are offered to governmental regulating bodies, industry and the general public.  Currently, EMSL offers radiological testing for a number of elements including: Pb, Tl, Bi, Rn, Ra, Ac, Th, Pa, U, K, Cs (134,137), I (131), and Co (60).    For water and liquid samples, a minimum of 2 liters should be submitted to the laboratory,” he continued.
 
To learn more about radiological sample testing, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com