For over 40 years, oilfield brine has been spread across Ohio roads. Its radioactive nature is raising health concerns. This byproduct of oil and gas development helps melt ice and control dust in parts of Licking County, among others.

Researchers at Ohio State University are examining how exposure to oilfield brine affects those living in these areas over time. This includes residents in Licking, Coshocton, and Ashtabula counties. Dr. Arbor Quist, an environmental epidemiologist and assistant professor at OSU, leads this study.

“I’ve been working on issues related to the health effects of oil and gas development for the past decade,” Quist stated.

Participants provide toenail clippings, baby teeth, and soil samples. Adults must have lived in the area for the past year to participate. Children’s baby teeth must come from those who lived in the region during specific stages of pregnancy and early life. Gift cards encourage participation.

Oilfield brine concerns extend beyond Licking County. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources found brine from multiple counties and formations too radioactive for environmental discharge.

An interactive map developed with AI helps track where oilfield brine is used in the state. The Environmental Protection Agency warns high radium levels can increase cancer risks. Radium mimics calcium in bones. As it decays, it produces radon, a major lung cancer cause. Licking County is notably affected.

Residents worry about the brine’s persistence. Rain may spread radium into gardens and streams. Activist Jacque Morgan expresses fears about water contamination.

“It doesn’t dissipate,” Morgan emphasized.

Spreading oilfield brine on roads has been legal in Ohio since 1985. Over 100,000 conventional wells have been drilled since the late 1800s, posing disposal challenges for brine. Some municipalities receive brine for free for road use. Activists like Morgan are pushing for change. Ohio Senate Bill 329 seeks to ban road use of well brine.

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing earlier this year. No subsequent action has been taken. Discussions with Sen. Tim Shaffer were viewed as promising.

“He listened to what we had to say,” Morgan remarked.

Alternatives exist, like the solution Granville Township adopted. They use a water and road salt mixture to avoid contaminants. Morgan urges other areas to prioritize health similarly.

“If you’re getting the benefit of the gas and the oil, then give us the benefit of healthy air,” Morgan said.

On September 19, Quist plans to attend the Granville Farmers Market. There, she will discuss radium’s effects and her ongoing research. This outreach aims to connect with local parents.

Morgan remains uncertain about the research’s impact. Yet, she hopes increased awareness leads to safer choices.

“I hope it will put another couple of bricks on the scales of justice,” Morgan concluded.