A group of researchers presented findings to the Dawson Creek council on February 9 regarding the potential health risks associated with oil and gas operations in northeastern British Columbia. Dr. Ulrike Meyer, a local family physician with over three decades of experience, highlighted the increased incidence of rare cancers in the area, attributing them to exposure to pollutants from nearby fracking activities.
Dr. Meyer emphasized the responsibility of healthcare providers to safeguard public health by raising awareness and providing information. She noted that several fellow physicians had left the community due to concerns about the health effects of residing near fracking sites. In one instance, 23 out of 25 lung biopsies conducted in Dawson Creek during the summer of 2023 showed cancerous results.
Additionally, ten cases of idiopathic interstitial fibrosis, a lung condition with unknown origins, were diagnosed between 2016 and 2018 in a population of just over 12,000 residents. Dr. Meyer expressed alarm at the high number of cases compared to the expected rate for such a condition. She estimated that around 30,000 wells are currently active in the Peace region, where fracking operations commenced in the early 2000s.
Joining Dr. Meyer were Dr. Élyse Caron-Beaudoin, a researcher from the University of Toronto, and Dr. Margaret McGregor from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Caron-Beaudoin highlighted the potential for fracking chemicals to contaminate air and water sources, causing cellular damage that can lead to various health issues, including cancer and respiratory problems.
Over the past decade, Dr. Caron-Beaudoin has been studying the health impacts of exposure to oil and gas industry chemicals. Samples collected from pregnant women in northeast B.C. revealed significantly higher levels of chemicals compared to the general Canadian population. Dr. McGregor shared findings from 52 studies conducted between 2000 and 2022, indicating increased risks of health issues like impaired fetal growth, premature birth, congenital malformations, childhood cancer, and heart disease in populations living near fracking sites.
Councilor Jerimy Earl emphasized the importance of thoughtful discussions on the topic, considering the economic reliance of many Dawson Creek residents on the oil and gas sector. He assured that the city has increased air quality monitoring and is committed to transparency by making data available to the public. The researchers plan to continue monitoring health outcomes in the region to assess the impacts of fracking activities.
Dr. McGregor stressed the need for a thorough understanding of the health risks associated with the gas industry and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies. The researchers aim to raise awareness and advocate for measures to address the health concerns arising from oil and gas operations in the Peace region.