This is a common question that is usually accompanied with the misconceived notion that hundreds of chemicals are used. As is often the case, a quick Google search on the topic produces a wide variety of answers, many of which are not factual.

One of the best answers to the question is found on Wikipedia, which says “A typical fracture treatment uses between 3 and 12 additive chemicals.” This information is cited from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy report “Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States: A Primer.”   

In the Barnett Shale, the number of chemical additives is usually five or six, which comprises about 0.5 percent of the total fluid, with 99.5 percent being sand and water. The components of fracture fluid used in Texas are listed on a well-by-well basis on FrackFocus.org as required by state law, which went into effect in early 2012. 

Find out more about the typical additives used in hydraulic fracturing: