In Southeastern New Mexico, the Fracking Boom Degrades Air Quality and Harms Human Health October 18, 2025
Earthworks
Gas that is fracked isn’t just methane, a climate superpollutant. It contains particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like benzene, a known carcinogen. When NOx and VOCs seep out of fracking and drilling infrastructure they react with heat and sunlight to create ground-level ozone, which can lead to serious consequences including asthma and inflamed airways, difficulty breathing, and make lungs more susceptible to infections.
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