Human Exposure Research in a Cyclical Industry: Abandoned and Orphaned Oil and Natural Gas Wells

This webinar hosted by HEI Energy reviewed the current understanding of the scale and location of abandoned and orphaned oil and natural gas wells across the United States, possible human exposures associated with releases to air and water from these wells, and the technology involved with properly abandoning oil and natural gas wells to prevent releases. All speakers addressed the question of research needs to better understand and address exposures related to abandoned and orphaned wells. The webinar informed policymakers, communities, and others making health-based decisions about unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD), as well as academics who must factor this information into their study designs to ensure the utility of their human exposure research.