It seems that you never get something for nothing. Another recently-highlighted potential problem with the fracking process to release gas for energy 'independence' is a suggested link by researchers between the chemicals used and local effects on human hormone production, including declines in semen quality that would reduce fertility of populations in areas where this is undertaken (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/05/fracking-chemicals-could-pose-risks-to-reproductive-health-say-researchers). The disruptive effects of 'environmental oestrogens' (in some plants and a property of many insecticides) are well-known and have been recorded to change behaviour and even apparent sexual identity in animal populations. Consequently, the effects (if the materials are oestrogenic) could be wider than the health issues of humans in the affected areas. There is a further possibility that, even if the chemicals used in fracking are 'safe' in terms of health, some of the hydrochemicals and other compounds released by the process could themselves be detrimental.
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