PITTSBURGH — A federal agency and laboratory will conduct research on air emissions at natural gas drilling sites and on possible hazards to workers.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says in a release it’s signed an agreement to collaborate with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, which is based in Morgantown, W.Va.

Washington, D.C.-based NIOSH says the research will support ongoing efforts to address worker health and safety issues in the oil and gas industry, which has seen booming production in recent years. The new research will conduct exposure assessments on emissions at natural gas drilling sites.