Dr. Anne Wise
CLEVELAND — “Gov. John Kasich signed a bill into law that hides fracking chemicals from physicians, nurses and emergency responders. Yes, drilling companies have to disclose exactly what chemicals they are using, but not until 60 days after a well is completed. Even then, they don’t have to reveal “trade secret” chemicals. Fracking, unlike other industries, can designate anything as a trade secret. Drilling site crews do not have the right to know the hazardous materials they handle. Fracking fluids are composed of hundreds of different chemicals, including benzene products, dioxins, PCPs and formaldehyde — known carcinogens and highly toxic.
Doctors supposedly can access this proprietary information, but — in the midst of an emergency — we have to track down whatever chemical company claimed the trade secret, fax or call in a request, and wait. The law does not require that this information be provided within a specified time. Furthermore, our lawmakers decided that we can use this information only for treating an individual patient. If there’s a spill or well leak in your community, your doctor isn’t allowed to tell you what you might have been exposed to — unless you’re already hurt.
Medicine is advanced by research. This law prevents researchers from adequately studying populations living near gas wells. How convenient for frackers that our law prevents science that might identify current or future health problems caused by their technology.”
— Dr, Anne Wise, letter to the editor, Cleveland Plain Dealer
