"Potentially Harmful Chemicals Used in Pa. Drilling"

"HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Compounds associated with neurological problems, cancer and other serious health effects are among the chemicals being used to drill natural gas wells in Pennsylvania, although state and industry officials said Monday the practice is not polluting drinking water.

The Associated Press obtained the list from the state Department of Environmental Protection, which assembled what is believed to be the first complete catalog of gas drilling chemicals being used in Pennsylvania. It hopes to post it online soon.

The department counts more than 80 chemicals being used by the rapidly growing drilling industry in a process called hydraulic fracturing, or ''fracking,'' as it pursues the rich Marcellus Shale reserve.

Many of the compounds are also present in consumer products, such as salt, cosmetics, gasoline, pesticides, solvents, glues, paints and tobacco smoke. "

Marc Levy reports for the Associated Press June 28, 2010.