Study Reveals Health Risks for 46.6 Million Near Fossil Fuel Sites

A recent study conducted by researchers at Boston University highlights significant health risks for individuals living near fossil fuel infrastructure. The research, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, estimates that approximately 46.6 million people in the contiguous United States reside within 1.6 kilometers (about one mile) of at least one type of fossil fuel facility. This figure represents about 14.1% of the U.S. population.

The study provides a comprehensive examination of the entire fossil fuel supply chain, which includes extraction, refining, transportation, storage, and end-use facilities. While past research has focused on the health impacts associated with extraction and end-use sites, this study is the first to analyze the potential risks associated with mid-supply chain facilities.

According to Jonathan Buonocore, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of environmental health at Boston University’s School of Public Health, understanding these mid-supply chain hazards is crucial. He stated, “This study helps us get a general size of the potential problem, and really starts the process of doing a better job of understanding exactly what the hazards are and how many people are potentially exposed.”

Population Exposure to Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

The research breaks down exposure by infrastructure type, revealing that nearly 21 million Americans live near end-use facilities, such as power plants. Additionally, over 20 million are within close proximity to extraction sites, including oil and gas wells. Storage facilities, which include underground gas storage and petroleum terminals, have more than 6 million residents nearby. It is important to note that many individuals live near multiple types of infrastructure, leading to overlaps in the total population figures.

The study identifies a range of pollutants associated with these facilities, including volatile organic compounds, which can adversely affect health. Mary Willis, the senior author of the study and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University, emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential health impacts stemming from various stages of fossil fuel production. She noted, “All of these stages can reasonably impact a range of population health outcomes, yet the basic information of who is even near the infrastructure components has not been examined to date.”

Environmental Injustice and Urban Concentration

The distribution of fossil fuel infrastructure is not uniform across the United States. The study highlights that predominantly non-white communities are disproportionately exposed to these facilities, indicating significant environmental injustice. Urban populations are particularly affected; nearly 90% of individuals living near end-use, transportation, refining, and storage infrastructure reside in urban areas.

The research uncovered that a single piece of storage infrastructure typically serves an average of 2,900 residents, while extraction sites average only 17 nearby inhabitants. This suggests that although extraction facilities are more numerous, they are often situated in less populated regions. In contrast, storage facilities, though fewer in number, are more likely to be located in densely populated urban environments. Buonocore indicated that focusing on storage facilities could yield a more significant impact on reducing exposure for urban communities.

The findings stem from a new database called the Energy Infrastructure Exposure Intensity and Equity Indices (EI3) Database for Public Health, which was launched in spring 2024 during the Power & People Symposium. This innovative database consolidates previously scattered data on fossil fuel energy infrastructure, making it accessible for future research.

Researchers are optimistic that this study will catalyze further investigations into the health impacts of living near fossil fuel facilities. They advocate for enhanced monitoring of air, water, noise, and light pollution associated with these infrastructures, as well as the exploration of health impacts in various demographics, including pregnant individuals and those enrolled in Medicaid.

The research ultimately aims to inform policymakers and promote community health by addressing the knowledge gaps regarding hazards associated with fossil fuel infrastructure. Buonocore stated, “Characterizing hazards and understanding who is most heavily exposed should be the first steps of understanding the possible health impacts. This research takes the first steps down that path.”