Health impacts of geothermal injection fluids
- wearepuna
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The health impacts of geothermal injection fluids, as highlighted in the context of geothermal operations in Hawaii, are significant due to the release of toxic substances into the environment. here’s a concise explanation by Jasmine Steiner of KahuPuna Aloha Activism of the health risks from her YouTube channel :
1. **Toxic Chemical Exposure**: Geothermal operations release hazardous substances like mercury, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, boron, methanol, ethanol, and others into the air, water, and soil. These toxins can be inhaled, ingested through contaminated water or food, or absorbed through the skin, leading to various health issues.
2. **Respiratory Problems**: Hydrogen sulfide, a common geothermal emission, is a toxic gas with a characteristic "rotten egg" smell. Even at low concentrations, it can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to respiratory distress, chronic bronchitis, or other lung-related conditions.
3. **Neurological and Systemic Damage**: Mercury and arsenic are neurotoxins that can accumulate in the body over time. Long-term exposure may cause neurological disorders, cognitive impairment, memory loss, tremors, and developmental issues in children. These heavy metals can also damage the kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system.
4. **Cancer Risk**: Some geothermal toxins, like arsenic and asbestos (if present in drilling processes), are known carcinogens. Chronic exposure increases the risk of cancers, particularly lung, skin, and bladder cancer.
5. **Skin and Eye Irritation**: Chemicals like methanol and ethanol in injection fluids can cause skin rashes, burns, or eye irritation upon contact. Prolonged exposure may lead to chronic dermatitis or other skin conditions.
6. **Reproductive and Developmental Issues**: Toxins such as boron and heavy metals can affect reproductive health, potentially causing infertility, miscarriages, or birth defects. These substances may also disrupt hormonal systems, impacting overall health.
7. **Community-Wide Impact**: In areas like Puna, Hawaii, where geothermal plants operate, entire communities face cumulative exposure risks. Contaminated air, water, and soil can lead to widespread health problems, including chronic illnesses, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare burdens.
8. **Mental Health and Social Stress**: Beyond physical health, the environmental degradation and lack of transparency about geothermal risks contribute to community stress, anxiety, and distrust, particularly among Native Hawaiians who view the land as sacred. This psychosocial impact compounds the physical health risks.
**Preventive Measures Needed**: The lack of safer practices, such as proper containment of injection fluids, emission controls, and regular health monitoring for affected communities, exacerbates these risks. Activists emphasize the need for stricter regulations and accountability to protect public health.
For more detailed insights, joining groups like the Hawaii Geothermal Community (AOLE PGV on Facebook) and following @kahu_puna on instagram and tik tok and YouTube, can provide updates on ongoing efforts to address these health concerns.
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