Rural Light Pollution from Shale Gas Development and Associated Sleep and Subjective Well-Being
Andrew Boslett1, Elaine Hill1,2, Lala Ma3
1Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY, USA 14620.
Resource and Energy Economics
|January 16, 2023
Summary
The shale oil and gas boom significantly increased light pollution in rural areas. This light pollution is linked to insufficient sleep and poorer self-rated health, highlighting a new public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Rural Sociology
Background:
- The shale oil and gas boom has profoundly impacted rural US communities economically, environmentally, and socially.
- Previous research has focused on air and water pollution, but the impact on light pollution remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of shale oil and gas development on light pollution in rural US areas.
- To investigate the association between horizontal drilling and self-rated health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the nationwide, time-calibrated Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) database (2000-2012).
- Analyzed nationwide data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2000-2012) to assess health associations.
Main Results:
- Found robust evidence of significant increases in light pollution in rural areas correlating with the shale boom.
- Identified associations between increased horizontal drilling and higher instances of insufficient sleep and poor physical or mental health.
Conclusions:
- Shale oil and gas development contributes to increased light pollution in rural environments.
- Light pollution from drilling may represent an additional environmental pathway affecting public health, beyond air and water concerns.
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