Nation What is fracking and is it harmful? Key terms and negative effects of fracking, explained. October 18, 2022October 25, 2022 Caitlin McLean, USA TODAY Comments Off on What is fracking and is it harmful? Key terms and negative effects of fracking, explained. Hydraulic fracking, or fracking, is a method used to extract natural gas from the Earth. Studies have found harmful health affects linked to it.