Fracking in the Fragile Families Cohort: DNA Methylation, Telomere Length, and Health

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a method for oil and natural gas drilling from rock, which has become common in the U.S. This process involves potentially dangerous chemical contamination and pollution, among other possible disruptions. Limited research has shown negative health consequences for those residing near a fracking well site, though potential long-term risks and cellular-level impacts are not well-known. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, I explored the effects of living near a fracking well on health, DNA methylation, and telomere length. I find fracking exposure to be associated with visiting a physician for illness and reporting respiratory symptoms. I demonstrate that these health associations are observed in individuals living up to 10 km from a fracking site. I observe wide-ranging alterations in DNA methylation after fracking exposure, finding multiple differentially methylated sites and regions associated with living near a fracking well. These differentially methylated sites are associated with a variety of biological pathways and processes, many of which are involved in cancer and development. While I do not find methylation age to be associated with fracking exposure, those reporting respiratory issues and residing near a fracking well have increased epigenetic aging. Telomere length was not found to be significantly associated with fracking exposure, though a moderate trend was observed, warranting further research. I find that genetically-moderated differences in xenobiotic detoxification are a risk factor for health effects associated with fracking exposure. The results of this work suggest that living near a fracking site is not only associated with adverse health outcomes but also with epigenetic alterations. Further research must be done to explore these associations and better determine safer fracking site setback distance rules.