An academic study led by Dr. Lisa McKenzie from the University of Colorado's School of Public Health has not established a link between residential proximity to oil and natural gas development and childhood leukemia. The research, which has faced criticism, attempted to explore this possible connection but lacked definitive findings.
Dr. McKenzie acknowledged in comments to Colorado Public Radio that the study did not succeed in identifying a causal connection between oil and gas production and increased leukemia risk in children. She stated, “The study did not identify the cause of the increase in leukemia risk, or how exposure to certain chemicals contributes to cancer development. McKenzie said those topics deserve further research.”
One of the challenges faced by the study was the potential presence of confounding factors that were not fully accounted for. Dr. McKenzie remarked on the complexity of measuring specific chemical exposures, saying, “We don’t have the data to actually say for example, how much benzene each one of these children were exposed to... We’re just looking at the overall density of oil and gas development, so we don’t know specifically what it is that might be causing childhood leukemia.”
Referring to past research published by Dr. McKenzie in 2017, former Colorado Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Wolk highlighted a similar issue. He noted that while there may be a “possible association” found in such studies, it “does not prove or establish” a connection to oil and gas operations.
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