Could Pap Tests Indicate More Types of Cancer?

Women and their health care providers are already well aware of the importance of the Pap smear in diagnosing cervical cancer, but a new study indicates that in the future this test may become even more useful.

The report comes from Johns Hopkins University?s Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, and while it will be some time before the results can be applied in practical application, the findings are quite encouraging.

Researchers performed Pap tests on patients with specific types of cancers, and were able to detect genetic material from both uterine and ovarian cancer. The test found ovarian cancer in 41% of participants, but for uterine cancer the rate was 100%. While further studies will be necessary to confirm the findings and refine techniques, it seems likely that eventually a woman?s annual Pap test will become an even more powerful tool in early detection of many, if not all, forms of female reproductive cancer.

The doctors who conducted the study, which was led by the Ludwig Center?s Dr. Bert Vogelstein, stress that there are still many steps necessary before the Pap test procedure can be adjusted, the next phase being testing healthy women to look for these indicators. Still, though, they find the results of their research promising. Dr. Vogelstein refers to these findings as ?. . . the harbinger of things to come.?

Another senior researcher, Dr. Luis A. Diaz, believes that these early findings are only the tip of the iceberg. The Johns Hopkins team plans to widen the parameters of the genetic testing in future studies to include a broader scope of genetic material. The researchers also see promise in adapting these techniques to develop tests for other types of cancer utilizing urine or fecal matter.

Dr. Diaz makes another point about why these findings are so encouraging: the results of the study mean that even more cancers can be detected without any additional impact on well woman care procedures. Expanding the Pap test to detect even more types of cancer allows for broader diagnosis within an existing test. Annual well woman care appointments will not need to change. The same tests women are already accustomed to will simply be made more effective.

Annual Pap tests already save women?s lives every year by helping gynecologists find human papillomavirus and detect abnormal, pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. The idea that this test could eventually aid in the early detection of other female reproductive cancers is one of the most exciting developments gynecology has seen in some time.

Pappilomavirus

Source: http://www.blog.allaboutwomenmd.com/womens-health/could-pap-tests-indicate-more-types-of-cancer.htm

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59% of Customers Worried About Business Website Security | Ping ...

(Ping! Zine Web Tech Magazine) ? More than half of UK consumers (59 per cent) worry about the risk of their details being compromised each time they input them into a business website, according to research released today by 1&1 Internet Ltd., www.1and1.co.uk, a global leader amongst web hosts.? From a study of more than 1500 UK adults, 25 per cent have walked away from using or buying from a website due to fears of the level of security.? The degree of consumer understanding of online dangers is high ? 55 per cent of Britons recognise that threats such as malware and viruses change by the hour.? Smaller businesses with a website that uses self-coding or open-source applications will benefit from being able to reassure online consumers that their website is well protected.

Today, more transactions than ever are being conducted over the Internet, requiring consumers to input sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and identifiable data.? 1&1?s ?Website Attitudes Study? (1) of 1551 UK consumers finds that consumers? concern and expectations for website security are also increasing.? In fact, 1 in 5 of those surveyed have either had their own, or know someone who has, had details lost or taken as a result of using a business website.

Thus, it is perhaps unsurprising that there is an impressive level of consumer awareness nowadays for protecting their data while online.? Some 55 per cent of Britons understand that many websites that capture data (such as contact details or billing data) can be a target for cyber criminals, and 55 per cent recognise that threats can change by the hour.

One in four consumers (26 per cent) believe small businesses are much more of a target for malicious online activity when compared to larger stores.? The concern, while perhaps off the radar of many small companies, is clearly inhibiting many consumers from fully supporting British small businesses.? In fact, only 11 per cent believe SMEs are fully protected online.? Such an understanding clearly impacts consumer behaviour, with 25 per cent having abandoned an online transaction or enquiry because they were worried about the security of their data.?? Some 46 per cent admit they are likely to spend more with a business that shows that it takes steps to enhance website security.

The study also took a measure on what actions consumers would take should their personal data ever be compromised from a business website.? Unsurprisingly, most expect to feel distressed and highly negative about a company as a result.? Some 54 per cent expect to never use that company again, whilst 62 per cent of consumers anticipate sharing their experience with others, 21 per cent willing to report it to the press, and 28 per cent being likely to explore legal action against the business involved.? There is clearly much potential for costly and long lasting damage to a business?s hard-earned revenue and brand reputation.

As the majority of business websites now capture users? data, every business on the Internet needs protection. The use of open-source applications and self-coding can allow much customisation for designs, however, security can be an issue.? While websites built with vendor-managed templates, such as 1&1 MyWebsite, involve very little risk of being compromised by malicious activity, as they leverage a professional system to create, update and protect the design, self-coded websites carry more risk.? Mistakes as simple as forgetting to close parentheses when entering code, or not applying updates to open-source applications can help facilitate malicious activity from hackers.? Thanks to a new service provided by 1&1 together with SiteLock, better protection is now easily available for such self-coded websites.

With the new feature from SiteLock (www.sitelock.com), 1&1 customers can scan their website for design vulnerabilities and stay informed about their online security levels.? 1&1 now provides this security service with 1&1 SiteLock Basic priced at ?0.99/month+VAT, and 1&1 SiteLock Premium priced at ?4.99/month+VAT.? 1&1 SiteLock also comes with a shield icon that is displayed on the business?s website, showing hackers and customers alike that this site is protected.

As a global leader amongst Web hosts, 1&1 is well placed to deliver a high quality service to its customers.? The company currently holds over 11 million customer contracts worldwide and manages 11 million domain names.? For more information about 1&1 as well as the new Sitelock feature visit the website at www.1and1.co.uk.

(1)? 1551 UK adults surveyed by OpinionMatters via electronic feedback form

Source: http://www.pingzine.com/59-of-customers-worried-about-business-website-security-21527/

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Associate Broker - Umbrella & Excess Casualty Job for Insurance ...

About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance' s listing of the world's insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance . Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/unitedin2010 to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.

W e currently have an exciting career opportunity for a Associate Broker in ourNew York,NYoffice. This position will support Aon?s National Casualty Practice - Umbrella & Excess Casualty Group.

Description:

Assist in handling and brokering complex casualty accounts umbrella/excess placements for the National Casualty Practice in the Greater New York office; supporting clients mainly in the southern region of theUS.

Responsibilities:

• Collecting and reviewing submission materials
• Submission to carriers
• Negotiating of terms offered
• Presentations to account executives
• Binding coverage
• Reviewing policies, etc.
• Client meetings and conference calls
• Reviewing Policies

Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree required
• 3 to 5 years of umbrella/excess casualty and related products experience
• Exceptional time management & organizational skills are required

Aon offers competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, continuing education & training, a unique internal advancement program, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.

All positions at Aon require an applicant who has accepted an offer to undergo a background check. The checks run are based on the nature of the position. Background checks may include some or all of the following: SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, fingerprint verification, credit check, and/or drug test. By applying for a position with Aon, you understand that you will be required to undergo a background check should you be made an offer. You also understand that the offer is contingent upon successful completion of the background check and results consistent with Aon 's employment policies. You will be notified during the hiring process which checks are required by the position.

Aon's professionals are unwavering in their client focus and integrity. We promote diversity, professional development, frugality and stewardship, applying a disciplined non-bureaucratic approach to help our clients realize their business potential. Drawing on our experienced team as a competitive advantage, Aon employees have the freedom to take risks, foster innovation, champion for change and replicate best practices.

For more information about Aon Corporation, visit our website at http://www.aon.com.

Aon is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. M/F/D/V

DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requisition #: 41035

Source: http://jobs.insurancesalesweb.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=1636&jb=12050617

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Trade Rep Kirk to step down, successors eyed

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said on Tuesday he was stepping down as the nation's top trade official in late February, opening up a plum economic post as President Barack Obama searches for more women and minorities for his Cabinet.

White House international economic affairs adviser Mike Froman had been considered the front-runner to succeed Kirk, but sources familiar with his thinking said he was likely to stay in his current job, which allows him to weigh in on issues ranging from energy and climate change to trade and international finance.

One source familiar with the situation identified Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Lael Brainard, Commerce Under Secretary for International Affairs Francisco Sanchez and U.S. Export-Import Bank President Fred Hochberg as candidates for the USTR job.

Kirk, a former mayor of Dallas, Texas and early Obama supporter, oversaw congressional approval of free-trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. He also completed negotiations on Russia's entry to the World Trade Organization.

"Ron was relentless in making the case to the American public that a balanced, thoughtful trade policy can contribute to a stronger economic future for America," Obama said in a statement praising his friend and golfing companion.

Leading the small, dedicated team of professional negotiators at the U.S. Trade Representative's office "has been no less than my greatest professional privilege," Kirk said in a statement that gave no detail of his future plans.

"In President Obama's first term, trade has been a major part of this administration's efforts to support American jobs right here at home. I am proud of USTR's contribution to America's ongoing economic recovery," he said.

Other possible candidates to succeed Kirk include Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis and the U.S. ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Michael Punke.

TWO JOBS TO FILL

Obama, who is under pressure to name more women and minorities to his second-term Cabinet, may also look outside the administration to fill both the USTR job and that of Commerce secretary, which has been filled on an "acting" basis since John Bryson stepped down last year.

The source familiar with the matter said Hochberg, the Ex-Im president, Jeffrey Zients, a deputy director of the White House budget office, and Elizabeth Littlefield, president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, were all under consideration for the Commerce position.

Xerox chief executive Ursula Burns, who is vice chair of Obama's export council, was also being considered, and there was an ongoing search for business leaders outside the administration for the role, the source said.

Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank is "acting" head of the sprawling department, and some industry officials think she may be chosen to fill the job permanently.

CHINA TRADE TENSIONS

Kirk's tenure was marked by increased confrontation with China over trade issues, with the United States challenging Chinese policies that discriminate against American exports in areas ranging from wind power to autos.

Kirk overcame initial White House resistance to relaunching talks on a regional free-trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which many experts consider the most significant trade negotiation now under way.

"It's very hard to pursue an activist international agenda when there's so much churning in the domestic economy. To his credit, he has maintained an open U.S. trade policy at a time of great stress," said Jeffrey Schott, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Ed Gresser, trade policy director at GlobalWorks Foundation, said Kirk helped restore support for trade in Congress after bitter fights between Republicans and Democrats during President George W. Bush's administration.

"There's a steadily strengthening consensus in Congress that trade policy needs to be a part of the solution to our (economic) crisis and we need to be passing more trade bills and negotiating more agreements," Gresser said.

Kirk, a former Texas secretary of state, ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2001 but has downplayed chances that he might run for office again. He has joked with reporters about his desire instead to earn more money to pay for his two daughters' college bills.

Kirk has worked with European Union Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht to lay the groundwork for possible negotiations on a transatlantic free trade agreement between the United States and the 27-nation European Union.

However, he was not able to crack the tough nut that is the Doha round of world trade talks. Those negotiations began in 2001 and still are unfinished, with the hope of a comprehensive market-opening agreement all but officially dead.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-trade-representative-kirk-step-down-february-195839726.html

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Home Based Business Opportunities: Easy Online Jobs -Paid Surveys

Easy Online Jobs -Paid Surveys

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Learn the must know facts on how to make money online via participating in paid surveys. This is a growing market that is helping many people earn a living on the internet from home. With so many ways to make money online people are swamped for choice. This article looks at whether paid surveys are a way to spend your time making money on the internet. Receiving any cash for surveys means that you have to do a lot of research to find companies before you start seeing the cash. Finding out who and where these companies are usually leads to frustration and a lot of wasted time. Find a one. ?Everybody is taking Paid Surveys these days. Why? Simple, it's the easiest way to make money Online. A lot of people join one paid survey panel and expect to make thousands instantly. Making money in the Paid survey industry is probably one of the simplest processes there is. In the following article I will give you step by step instructions on how to make money taking paid Online surveys?Within an hour after reading this article you can easily be on your way to receiving paid surveys everyday.
The Internet has spurred hundreds and probably thousands of sites that offer paid programs through which you can earn great cash and prizes. Paid surveys are a low-budget paid program that allows people to accumulate more substantial earnings by taking a large number of surveys. The logic behind earning with paid surveys is to subscribe to many paid Survey Companies and take as many surveys as you can. The payout from paid surveys may be modest when assessed on a monthly basis, but over a year or two paid surveys can help you extend your wish list in an effortless and fun way. Are there paid surveys for everyone? Sure. If you are afraid that you do not qualify to take surveys, let me assure you that everyone qualifies. Of course, the surveys vary in scope and target audience, and you may not be eligible to take every single survey. However, once you subscribe to more than a few paid survey sites, you will have a wider selection of surveys to choose from. That way you also narrow down the number of surveys that potentially won't be targeted to you. Thus, you will maintain a more regular Online Income flow from surveys, and can predictably achieve your realistic cash earnings from paid surveys. How to maximize your overall earnings from your Online Jobs Paid surveys can be only a part of the big picture, if you wish to increase your cash earnings. Paid surveys are one among other paid programs that are now popular and attract thousands of online workers. There are so many ways on how to earn cash at home.?? In fact, you can even start working your own business basing it on the field of your expertise or likeness. Below are some of the most sought after Part Time Jobs at home, where you can earn a decent cash to sustain your family's needs. All said, taking paid surveys really means taking a chance to get extra cash and prizes that no other job can provide. Paid surveys allow you the flexibility to earn cash from any point in the world, as long as you have an Internet connection. Your mainstream career remains unaffected, as paid surveys require very little time, while you have more cash on you account and greater opportunities to spend. Receiving any cash for surveys means that you have to do a lot of research to find companies before you start seeing the cash. When starting out you need either a big list of companies that offer surveys that generate cash or one Online survey companies In India. Finding out who and where these companies are usually leads to frustration and a lot of wasted time. Find a one. ?? Work From Home jobs are becoming more and more popular, but there are still some that can be done more easily in a home environment.Thanks to the internet and software programs that allow you to log in to a company's system from home, it is easy for employers to hire remote customer service agents. Imagine sitting in your home office, answering telephone calls from people all over the world. That is a reality for many thousands of home-workers today! ?When you start to do surveys, start with a different email account which will only be used with surveys. This means that the volume of mail does not clutter up your regular communication lines. It also means that surveys are in one place for checking and responding to when surveys arrive. You must keep a regular check on your survey email, as often as possible. Checking every two hours or so during the day is not unrealistic. The reason for this is that many of the very best paid surveys require only a limited number of takers. Make certain that you fill out your member profiles and keep them up-to-date. The amount of surveys you will receive will depend on your profile and the current studies being conducted. Extra Survey Income becomes easy once the surveys start coming in. Online surveys are one of the best, if the best way to work from home. When starting out, work with some online survey companies such as Get Cash for Surveys as a place to start. Pay the subscription and get started without wasting time. Working with a researched database starts to earn your back so that you move into profits. If you begin your experience right by Getting Cash for Surveys right away the chances are you will be successful. Get cash for surveys means that you eliminate a lot of research to find companies before you start seeing the cash If you really know what you can do, work at home Part Time Online Jobs may be the right choice for anyone who wants to spend more time at home??? Well, to begin your work all you need is a computer and high speed Internet connection and of course you need to have basic computer knowledge and passion for work. No matter, who you are how old you are or where you are from Work At Home Survey Jobs are for you literally you need to be passionate and sincere in your work. If you wish to work from home it is not that difficult to get a job for you provide you put your best efforts in finding the right choice that suits your passion and qualification. An online tutor job demands educational qualification along with computer and Internet access.?

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Survey Jobs and freelance writing jobs are one of the common online jobs. The best way to work from home online is to find a proven method and repeat it. If someone has already been successful, then if you do the same thing, you should be successful too. Visit this site to find out the top home based business. Choose from a selection of our best tried and tested home based businesses. Start Now.http://www.PartTimeWorld.com

Source: http://shivayam0.blogspot.com/2013/01/easy-online-jobs-paid-surveys.html

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Business of the Backcountry seminar series at SIA 2013 | Verde PR ...

NOTE: Verde will be hosting an all-star panel for a special seminar at SIA 2013 next week in Denver, entitled ?The Business of the Backcountry.? The seminar will be on January 31, at 1:30 pm, on the trade show floor within the Backcountry Experience Area, booth #4571.

The panel marks the first time that perspectives and conversation regarding backcountry safety and its tie to our sustainability as an industry has been formally discussed and dissected.

?Business of the Backcountry? Panelists include: Jones Snowboards and POW founder Jeremy Jones, Julbo eyewear athlete and legendary freeskier Glen Plake, ESPN.com freeskiing editor Megan Michelson, Backcountry.com Director of Merchandising, Hud Knight, VP at Backcountry Access, Bruce Edgerly, Ethan Greene, Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and Ethan Mueller, General Manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Today and next Tuesday (Jan. 29), the Verde Voice and Verde?s sister blog, the Mountain Diva, will run a two-part series tee-ing up the panel.

The outdoor and snowsports industries will see an exponential leap in both innovation in and availability of, winter safety equipment at this month?s ORWM and SIA shows, respectively.

Just this month, K2 Sports (a Verde client) purchased BCA; last year, Black Diamond and Mammut made investments in snow-safety companies; and TNF, Burton and other leading brands are rolling out air-bag equipped packs for 2013.

Product innovation and the unprecedented access that backcountry are available to skiers and riders, of all ability levels, more so than ever before. The outdoor and snowsports industries are very aware that it?s high time to implement a more proactive approach to consumer education regarding safety in winter backcountry travel.

According to a 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market gear primer written by David Clucas of SNEWS, the influx of new backcountry safety gear is powered by two factors:

1. An increase in the sales of alpine touring gear
2. More awareness of airbag-equipped packs stemming from widespread coverage in the mainstream media on recent avalanches and survivors who lived because of these airbag packs

Fittingly, it seems, a perfect storm has emerged with awareness and product demand stemming from that awareness. The result? Air-bag wars, according to Wild Snow?blogger, Lou Dawson.

WildSnow reports that there are two product approaches in 2013 that address the ?avalanche problem.?

1. Provide air to the otherwise suffocating buried victim
2. Prevent burial in the first place

?Basically, the whole avalanche safety issue has boiled down to human nature,? Dawson reports. ?Skiers will ski avalanche slopes, and some of us will ignore, forget, or perhaps never even learn how to play that game with reasonable safety. Thus, we need a backup plan.?

Today?s gear, he indicates, is designed to do just that.

?Beacons, having achieved an almost supernatural status in the pantheon of avalanche safety gear, have proved disappointing in real life. Fact is, if you?re buried in a slide you stand a pretty good chance of being dug up dead, no matter how many extra features your beacon has.?

Thus, gear that prevents burial (such as the airbag packs) comprises the bulk of the innovation in the winter safety gear category.

Bruce Edgerly, co-founder of BCA and ?Business of the Backcountry? panelist, believes strongly that there?s a gap that must be closed between the new safety gear on the market, such as the company?s Float packs, and the self education that must exist with the user of these products. Learning how to make solid decisions around staying safe in the backcountry should be prioritized by our industries, he said.

?BCA takes pride in championing of backcountry safety and avalanche awareness and education,? Edgerly said.

The fact that BCA retailers must be licensed to refill the cartridges in the avie packs for their customers, is just one example of a retailer and manufacturer working together to create more consumer awareness on how to use winter safety equipment.

Close to 20 brands will be offering float-bag equipped packs and many, many others offering winter-safety gear like shovels, probes, beacons, helmets and other tools, for the coming winter season. As a PR executive, it?s tough for me not to tally the glossy ad campaigns and multi-media public relations efforts that will occur to support this product grouping going to market.

The result? Skiing and riding in the backcountry will be promoted at an unprecedented level going into the coming winter. Pro athletes ripping sick lines depicted in ads wearing this product will entice and engage more consumers ? and many of those consumers will be uneducated around the dangers of winter backcountry travel.

The industry, collectively, must create awareness and education opportunities for retailers and the end consumer around skiing and riding safely in the backcountry. From snow science, to gear-usage to product marketing efforts to athletes ? all must be aligned on this issue, it is, as we?ve all seen too many times, a life and death situation.

Where do we start? How can we work together to amplify our reach? These are all points that will be addressed at the Verde ?Business of the Backcountry? panel.

NOTE: At this week?s ORWM 13, Ian Reid, director of the Avalanche Ski Co. Backcountry Workshop, will offer the industry an opportunity for avalanche training around the trade show in Salt Lake City. The workshop will occur Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at Brighton Resort.

Source: http://www.verdepr.com/blog/2013/01/business-of-the-backcountry/

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Green Blog: Taking a Harder Look at Fracking and Health

PHILADELPHIA ? A coalition of academic researchers in the United States is preparing to shine a rigorous scientific light on the polarized and often emotional debate over whether fracking for natural gas is hazardous to human health.

Some five years after the controversial combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in the gas-rich Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and surrounding states got under way, a team of toxicologists from the University of Pennsylvania is leading a national effort to study the health effects of fracking.

The university?s Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology has organized a working group with researchers at other top universities including Columbia, Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina to investigate and analyze reports of nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties and other ills from people who live near gas drilling sites, compressor stations or waste-water pits.

The aim is to bring academic discipline to the unresolved national debate, which pits an industry that denies any link between fracking and environmental contamination against those who assert that fracking poisons air and water with natural and man-made chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects and other illnesses.

?There is an enormous amount of rhetoric on both sides,? said Trevor Penning, head of the Penn toxicology center and the driving force behind the Environmental Health Sciences Core Center Hydrofracking Working Group. ?We felt that because we are situated in Pennsylvania, we had a duty to get on top of what was known and what was not known.?

Dr. Penning has asked 17 centers affiliated with the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences to take part in different aspects of research into the health effects of fracking. Ten have so far accepted, he said in an interview.

Among the questions to be answered, Dr. Penning said, is the toxicity of the ?flowback? water that emerges from gas wells after they are fracked, which contains a mix of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals. Fracking forces a mixture of water, sand and chemicals at high pressure a mile or more underground to facture the shale and release the natural gas ? mainly methane ?inside it.

Determining whether flowback water or fracking fluid is dangerous to health is challenging if the chemicals and their combinations are not fully disclosed, he said. The teams will also look at whether air quality is dangerously affected by the flaring of waste gases, and whether the industry?s extensive use of diesel fuel for trucks, drills and compressor stations is polluting the air to unhealthy levels near gas installations.

?We don?t know if the levels we are dealing with are hazardous,? he said. ?We think it?s unsafe, but we don?t know it?s unsafe.?

The first project, based on work at Penn, surveyed residents in the Marcellus Shale regions of Pennsylvania about their health symptoms and whether they believed their symptoms were related to local gas drilling. Results are expected to be published in mid-February.

Future projects, which depend on obtaining financing from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, would include working with a cancer center at the University of Texas to compare the heavily drilled Barnett Shale in that state with the Marcellus and to see whether state laws on gas drilling have taken public health into consideration.

Also awaiting funds is a plan to use a Harvard University mapping tool to correlate gas installations with reports of sickness and a proposal to study the health outcomes of targeted populations by examining billing data from insurance companies.

Dr. Penning said the planned research projects won?t duplicate the ongoing work of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which is conducting its own research into whether fracking contaminates water supplies. That study is not explicitly focused on the health effects of any contamination, he said.

Asked why academics are only now proposing a systematic study of fracking?s health effects some five years after the shale boom began in earnest in Pennsylvania, Dr. Penning replied, ?Politics.?

With a strongly pro-industry administration led by Pennsylvania?s Republican governor, Tom Corbett, and a Republican-controlled legislature that has recently approved an industry-friendly gas-drilling law, state funding has not been available for research into whether the industry?s activities have negative health effects, Dr. Penning said.

?Academia can only do work if there?s funding to do that work,? he said.

The projects may guide industry and government worldwide in developing shale gas reserves, whch are expected to become a major global energy source.

?The Marcellus Shale is a microcosm of what?s going on across the globe,? Dr. Penning said.

Source: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/taking-a-harder-look-at-fracking-and-health/?partner=rss&emc=rss

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