I suppose that is because there is big money involved.
I have both asthma and COPD and trust me, it is no fun. I've had asthma all my life but just got the COPD in the last couple of years. Fortunately, I made it into my seventies without too much effect until now. I would hope that the children breathing god knows what chemicals will not suffer from respiratory disease in the future and then have to live with it for the better part of their lives. Breathing is rather an important function of life.
My being somewhat cynical, I think that from a corporate standpoint, they hit the big jackpot. They can pollute the air, the water and the earth all at the same time. And they have the blessing of our government and a congress that has been bought off and does not want to get off the money train. Still, something has to be done and done now before damage to peoples health becomes irreversible.

I, too, have breathing issues; been on oxygen for thirteen years. Last year I noticed some symptoms worsening and went to see the pulmonologist. His first question: How close do you live to a fracking site? His concerns are growing and he has presented them to our city council and county commission, and they've blown him off every time. The 'powers that be' are very enamored of the money, our health is of very little concern to them.