俄亥俄州立大学的研究团队正在开展一项环保流行病学研究，以评估油田卤水暴露对当地社区居民长期健康的影响[1]。这项研究通过收集趾甲、脱落的婴儿牙齿和土壤样本来获取数据[1]。参与者需在利金县、科肖克顿县和阿什塔比拉县居住至少12个月以捐献趾甲，或在孕期第二、三孕期和出生后第一年内居住以捐献婴儿牙齿[1]。
油田卤水含有放射性物质，自1985年以来在俄亥俄州被合法用于道路除冰和控尘，已有超过40年的应用历史[1]。俄亥俄州自然资源部的调查发现，来自26个县107口井的卤水放射性水平过高，不能排放到环境中[1]。根据美国环保署，长期暴露于高水平镭会导致骨癌、肝癌或乳腺癌的发病率增加[1]。利金县已被确定为美国的"氡污染零点"[1]。为应对这一问题，俄亥俄州参议院第329号法案将禁止在道路上传播井卤水[1]。
参与此项研究的Dr. Arbor Quist表示："我过去十年一直在处理与石油和天然气开发相关的健康影响问题。"[1]
Ohio State University researchers are investigating the long-term health impacts of oil field brine exposure on residents in communities across Ohio.[1] The brine, which contains radioactive materials, has been applied to roads for de-icing and dust control for over 40 years.[1] Scientists are collecting toenails, shed baby teeth, and soil samples to assess exposure risks.[1]
The practice of spreading oil field brine on Ohio roads has been legal since 1985.[1] According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, brine from 107 wells across 26 counties has been deemed too radioactive for environmental release.[1] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that long-term exposure to high levels of radium—a radioactive element present in the brine—can increase rates of bone cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer.[1] Licking County has been identified as America's "radon hotspot" following a 2025 Columbus Dispatch investigation.[1]
To participate in the study, residents must have lived in Licking, Coshocton, or Ashtabula counties for at least 12 months to donate toenails, or must have resided there during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and the first year after birth to donate baby teeth.[1] Dr. Arbor Quist, who leads the research effort, stated: "I have been dealing with health impacts related to oil and gas development over the past decade."[1] Ohio Senate Bill 329 would prohibit the practice of spreading well brine on roads.[1]