David Brown's commentary, "Assessing the risks of fracking," March 10, needs to be questioned. He states a number of opinions with few facts.
For example, he states: "... Physicians typically have little experience with toxic exposures in air or water" and "The people often placed at risk are not necessarily benefiting. ..."
Accidents in any industry handling toxic materials have the potential for causing damage or a health risk. The question is: "What is acceptable?"
When you drive from Saratoga Springs to Albany, you take a chance that you may be killed or injured as a result of an accident. It is a risk that we accept.
Opponents of fracking should compare the current number of deaths or injuries from motor vehicle accidents to the number of deaths or injuries that would occur if the gasoline were produced via the fracking process.
Is it reasonable to conclude that our society wants zero risk from a process that would help meet our energy needs?
Sherwood Davies
Troy