Health Concerns Over Ohio Roadways and Oilfield Brine

For over 40 years, oilfield brine has been applied to roadways in Ohio. However, its radioactive nature presents serious health complications. This byproduct of oil and gas development is used on roads in certain townships in Licking County to melt ice and control dust. Researchers from Ohio State University aim to understand the long-term health effects of exposure to oilfield brine, focusing on areas such as Licking, Coshocton, and Ashtabula counties.

Research Initiatives

Dr. Arbor Quist, an environmental epidemiologist and assistant professor at OSU, leads this study. “I’ve worked on health effects related to oil and gas development for a decade,” Quist stated. This project, starting this summer, involves unconventional data collection methods including toenail clippings, baby teeth, and soil samples. Adults residing in Licking County for the past year can donate toenail clippings. For baby teeth donations, the child must have lived in the county from late pregnancy through their first year. Participants receive gift cards for their contributions.

Statewide Issue

Oilfield brine concerns extend beyond Licking County. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources evaluated brine from 107 wells in 26 counties, finding all samples too radioactive for environmental discharge according to state regulations. Quist helped create a map using AI to identify brine-spread areas across Ohio.

Chronic radium exposure, present in oilfield brine, can increase risks for bone, liver, or breast cancer, as per the Environmental Protection Agency. Radium mimics calcium, allowing bones to absorb it. Also, radium decay produces radon, a leading lung cancer cause.

Local Advocacy and Legislation

In Ohio, oilfield brine spreading has been legal since 1985. Over 100,000 conventional wells have been drilled in eastern Ohio. Well owners consider brine a waste, often providing it at no charge for road use. Activists, including Jacque Morgan from the Buckeye Environmental Network, strive for change. Ohio Senate Bill 329 seeks to ban brine spreading on roads. It had a second hearing in February but saw no subsequent actions. Morgan, working with Sen. Tim Shaffer, believes this issue transcends partisanship and addresses public health concerns.

Alternatives and Community Actions

Alternatives exist for controlling ice and dust without oilfield brine. Granville Township now uses a water and road salt mixture, avoiding brine contaminants. Morgan advocates for wider adoption of this approach to prioritize health.

“It’s frustrating when profits overshadow health,” said Morgan. “Benefiting from gas and oil shouldn’t come at the cost of clean air, walkable land, and edible produce.” On Sept. 19, Quist will be at the Granville Farmers Market discussing radium’s impact and engaging with parents in brine-affected areas.

Hope for Change

Morgan remains uncertain about the immediate impact of Quist’s research on Licking County. However, she hopes the knowledge it yields will contribute to improved health standards. “I hope this adds to advocating for better life quality and health,” said Morgan.

This story was originally published by The Reporting Project in partnership with The Associated Press.