In the Patagonian town of Allen, Argentina, residents living near shale oil and gas wells have reported a range of serious health issues they associate with hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, activities that began more than a decade ago. Many families in Calle Ciega 10, a street situated on the eastern edge of Vaca Muerta — home to one of the world’s largest shale gas and oil reserves — have experienced illnesses including migraines, skin irritation, cancers, congenital abnormalities, miscarriages, and stillbirths.

Vaca Muerta spans over 11,500 square miles across four provinces and has more than 2,600 active wells. Since 2012, the Argentine government has encouraged fracking extraction in the region as a means to stimulate the economy. The current administration under President Javier Milei has expanded foreign investment and aims to increase hydrocarbons production to end a prolonged economic crisis. By the end of 2025, crude oil exports from Vaca Muerta surpassed soy-based products for the first time, aided by European companies seeking alternatives to Russian gas supplies.

While the state-controlled energy company YPF handles about one third of the unconventional gas and oil output, foreign entities such as Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Shell operate the majority of wells in the region. Fracking entails injecting water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations to release hydrocarbons—a process criticized for its environmental impact and possible health risks.

Locals from Calle Ciega 10 report that a nearby well, dormant since 2019, resumed operations in May 2023. Residents express concern over potential contamination of nearby water sources and claim legal complaints have gone unaddressed. One family recounts multiple health challenges: Analia Celeste Saldías described pregnancy complications including stroke-like symptoms in 2023, her son was born with three lungs requiring surgery, and her eldest daughter suffered severe skin conditions.

Health problems extend beyond Allen into Indigenous Mapuche communities, which frequently inhabit areas affected by fracking infrastructure. Representatives of the Zonal Xawvn Ko Mapuche confederation and the Añelo Lof Campo Maripe community report elevated rates of miscarriages, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and congenital defects. Ancestor and community leader Lorena Bravo Maripe has herself battled cancer and highlights the visible livestock deformities affecting her people.

Medical experts emphasize a lack of comprehensive research and health monitoring. Silvia Ávila, dean of the National University of Comahue’s faculty of medicine, calls for governmental transparency and systematic study to assess health consequences. Researchers acknowledge the possibility that the population is already experiencing adverse effects but stress insufficient data to quantify the scale or direct causality.

Provincial health authorities in Neuquén and Río Negro have declined to comment, while major energy companies operating in Vaca Muerta were contacted but did not provide statements.

In addition to fracking-related concerns, an environmental lawsuit has been brought regarding the Comarsa toxic waste site in Neuquén city, where improper handling of over 300,000 cubic meters of hazardous waste poses immediate public health risks. Toxic substances such as barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic have contaminated soil, air, and water near residential areas. Prosecutors warn of dangers including respiratory and neurological problems, cancer, and pregnancy complications. Despite these risks, residential developments continue near the dump.

The accumulation of health complaints from local residents, Indigenous groups, medical professionals, and environmental organizations underscores the complex challenges facing the Vaca Muerta region as Argentina balances economic ambitions with public health and environmental protection.