A group of researchers presented findings to the Dawson Creek council regarding the potential health risks associated with oil and gas operations in northeast B.C. Dr. Ulrike Meyer, a long-serving family physician in Dawson Creek, highlighted a concerning rise in rare cancer cases, attributing them to exposure to contaminants from nearby fracking activities. She emphasized the responsibility of healthcare providers to advocate for public health and raise awareness about potential threats.
In a specific incident, 23 out of 25 lung biopsies conducted in Dawson Creek during the summer of 2023 revealed cancerous growths. Additionally, between 2016 and 2018, ten individuals were diagnosed with idiopathic interstitial fibrosis, a lung condition with unknown causes. Dr. Meyer expressed alarm at the unusually high incidence rate of this condition in a population of just over 12,000 residents.
Fracking operations, which commenced in the Peace region in the early 2000s and now comprise around 30,000 wells, have raised significant health concerns. Dr. Élyse Caron-Beaudoin, a researcher from the University of Toronto, and Dr. Margaret McGregor, a family physician from the University of British Columbia, joined Dr. Meyer to shed light on the potential dangers of fracking chemicals contaminating the environment.
Dr. Caron-Beaudoin highlighted the detrimental effects of these chemicals on human cells, linking them to various health issues including cancer, respiratory problems, and adverse birth outcomes. Through extensive research spanning a decade, Dr. Caron-Beaudoin has identified heightened chemical levels in pregnant women and their environment in northeast B.C. compared to the general Canadian population.
Dr. McGregor presented findings from 52 studies conducted between 2000 and 2022 on communities residing near fracking sites, indicating increased risks of fetal growth abnormalities, premature births, birth defects, childhood cancers, and heart conditions. The researchers emphasized the importance of continued monitoring of health outcomes in the Peace region to better understand the impacts of fracking activities.
Councilor Jerimy Earl acknowledged the complexity of the issue, considering the economic dependence of many Dawson Creek residents on the oil and gas industry. He stressed the city’s commitment to public health and safety, mentioning the installation of additional air quality monitors and the availability of data to the public. The researchers plan to delve further into the health effects of fracking in the region and advocate for measures to mitigate potential risks.
