 Abstract soils near oil and natural gas drilling sites have been found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals, which can pose a threat to human health and the environment. This study examined the distribution of six heavy metals in 139 top soil samples collected in and around these sites. The results showed that the concentrations of the metals varied widely, with some being more than 10 times higher than the background levels. Based on the findings, the authors concluded that the drilling sites could potentially cause adverse effects on the environment and public health if not properly managed.