In this episode of "Just the Facts," hosted by Mark Goode and featuring guest Justin Nobel, an acclaimed journalist and author, a dark and critical issue within the oil and gas industry came to light—radioactivity in oil field waste. Nobel, who spent seven years investigating and writing his book "Petroleum 238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It," provides alarming revelations about the radioactive pollutants associated with oil and gas extraction that have been neglected by the industry and overlooked by governing bodies. 

From the onset of oil extraction in 1859 to the fracking boom today, Nobel uncovers that not just oil and gas, but also radioactive materials, particularly radium, come to the surface during drilling. This has introduced an extraordinary new waste stream, producing approximately 3 billion gallons of briny wastewater every day in the United States alone. If placed in oil barrels, these waste fluids could reach the moon and back nearly 28 times in a year. Despite such staggering figures, the industry continues to grapple with what to do with this waste, often resorting to inexpensive and unscientific methods like discharge into unlined pits or injection wells, posing a significant threat to both the environment and public health.

Moreover, the issue extends to the invisible dangers faced by workers handling this waste. These individuals are often exposed to high levels of radiation without adequate protection or training, exacerbating health risks. The lack of accountability and transparency within the industry is shocking, given the potential for contamination and subsequent health ramifications. Regrettably, regulatory bodies, including the EPA and OSHA, have largely failed to address these issues, leaving communities and ecosystems at risk.

This revelation necessitates a call to action for greater scrutiny and accountability within the oil and gas industry. It’s no longer just about the environmental impact but a dire public health threat that demands immediate and robust action. By pushing for stringent safety measures and comprehensive waste management protocols, citizens can help hold the industry accountable and protect both workers and communities from the hazardous consequences of oil field radioactivity.

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