As the oil and gas industry continues its rapid expansion throughout North America, a growing body of research has linked fossil fuel development to physical and mental health conditions during and after pregnancy, including preterm birth, birth defects, and psychological stress.
But it appears that oil and gas production may be hazardous to this population even before they become pregnant.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) researchers suggests that people who are trying to conceive and live close to oil and gas development sites have a heightened risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes.