Emissions from natural gas compressor stations are known to cause both acute and chronic health impacts. Some occur at a relatively steady rate, while others occur in episodic peaks. Weather conditions and wind direction may affect an individual’s actual exposure. As a result of these factors, acute health symptoms may be persistent, episodic or temporary.

The episodic intense peak exposures, which may last for minutes to several hours, can precipitate acute health symptoms, even though the total emissions averaged over a 24-hour or longer period can appear to be much less.

Exposure to the air contaminants increase an individual’s risk for the development of or worsening of pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease. In addition, some of the contaminants have adverse neurologic effects; others are carcinogenic.

As with other forms of air pollution, those at increased risk include children, developing fetuses, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

Acute health effects from short-term exposures:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Skin Irritation

• Eye & throat irritation

• Acute respiratory problems

• COPD and asthma exacerbation

• Memory problems

• Acute cardiac events

• Chest pain

• Coughing

Chronic health impacts from long-term exposures:

• Anemia

• Lung and other respiratory cancers

• Leukemia and lymphoma

• Breast and genital cancers

• Bladder and urinary cancers

• Bone cancer

• Lip and other oral cancers

• Endocrine disruption

• Permanent neurological problems