scholarly journals Health Impact Assessment of the construction of hydroelectric dams in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-36
Author(s):  
Diego Velloso Veronez ◽  
Karina Camasmie Abe ◽  
Simone Georges El Khouri Miraglia
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Hydroelectric Dams ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
The Impact

Background: Brazil´s dam-building plans in Amazonia imply substantial environmental and social impacts. This study evaluates the relationship between social, environmental, and economic aspects and impacts on the health status of the population of Rondônia, Brazil, due to the implementation of the Jirau and Santo Antônio hydroelectric dams. Methods: A qualitative and retrospective Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is used to focus the study objectives. The information is arranged in a structured diagram that enables an outside reviewer to assess the aspects/impacts relationship derived from the construction of the dams. This comes with outline recommendations for health risk management that can orient national health authorities. We selected a narrative review synthesis as the most appropriate approach for the study. Results: The diagram network was built making it possible to analyse the impact changes caused by this enterprise in the health sector. Additionally, the model will serve in the implementation of a complete HIA approach in an attempt to quantitatively map the impacts and to propose recommendations. Conclusion: This effort is very important for highlighting the priorities in the public policy decision-making process, serving as a basis for the Brazilian Health System. 

scholarly journals Adding value to the use of Health Impact Assessment and social return on investment technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Green ◽  
K Ashton ◽  
M Dyakova ◽  
L Parry-Williams
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Return On Investment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Social Return on Investment (SROI) are beneficial public health methodologies that assess potential effects on health including social, economic and environmental factors and have synergies in their approaches. This paper explores how HIA and SROI can complement each other to capture and account for the impact and social value of an assessed intervention or policy. A scoping review of academic and grey literature was undertaken to identify case studies published between January 1996 and April 2019 where HIA and SROI methods have been used to complement each other. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine international experts from a range of regulatory/legislative contexts to gain a better understanding of past experiences and expertise of both HIA and SROI. A thematic analysis was undertaken on the data collected. The review identified two published reports which outline when HIA and SROI have both been used to assess the same intervention. Interview results suggest that both methods have strengths as standalone processes i.e. HIAs are well-structured in their approach, assessing health in its broadest context and SROI can add value by monetizing social value as well as capturing social/environmental impact. Similarities of the two methods were identified i.e. a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and common shared principles. When questioned how the two methods could complement each other in practice, the results indicate the benefits of using HIA to explore initial impact, and as a platform on which to build SROI to monetarize social value. HIA and SROI methodologies have cross-over. The research suggests potential benefits when used in tandem or combining the methods to assess impact and account for health and social value. Innovative work is now being carried out in Wales to understand the implications of this in practice and to understand how the results of the two methods could be used by decision-makers. Key messages HIA and SROI methods can be used in tandem to capture both the health impact and social value of policies and proposed interventions. HIA and SROI when used together can provide valuable information to inform decision makers around the health impact and social value of proposed policies and interventions.

scholarly journals The Public Health Implications of Brexit: A Health Impact Assessment Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Green
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Public Bodies

Abstract On March 29th 2019, the United Kingdom (UK) was due to exit the EU in a process known informally as ’Brexit’. This exit and entry into a 2-year transition is a period of unprecedented political and social upheaval - with many unknowns and much uncertainty attached to the outcomes and future impact. In preparation for Brexit, Public Health Wales commissioned the Wales HIA Support Unit to carry out a health impact assessment of Brexit in Wales to support and inform its and other public bodies planning and future work. This paper examines the unique HIA carried out between July and December 2018 on the impact of the UK withdrawal from the EU in Wales. It discusses the robust, participatory process undertaken, the stakeholders involved and the benefits reaped from this. It highlights the evidence gathered and analysed including the collection methods, the complex nature of the work and disseminates the main findings from the HIA including the potential determinants of health and population groups identified. Finally, it describes the challenges faced, how these were overcome, and the huge benefits, impact and influence it has had to date across a wide range of UK and Welsh organisations and public bodies. This work demonstrates continued leadership in the field of impact assessment and spearheads the requirement for public bodies to carry out HIAs as part of the forthcoming statutory requirements of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 an can inform practice at a global level. Key messages HIA can inform and influence action in response to important strategic decisions. The Brexit HIA is a unique example which can inform international HIA practice.

scholarly journals Methods to Conduct a Health Impact Assessment Learning Collaborative

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Stone ◽  
Andrea Bochenek ◽  
Alison Redenz ◽  
Elinor Hansotte
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Public Health Department ◽  
Learning Collaborative ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Marion County

Background: Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health (IU FSPH) and the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, through the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD), created a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Learning Collaborative. The purpose of the HIA Learning Collaborative was to strengthen the capacity of both the academic and community partners to carry out HIAs. Entities recognize the value of creating a collaborative team to assure personnel are trained and available to provide time and expertise for plan reviews, formal feedback, data reports, literature summaries, and input in potential health/social impacts related to projects, which can ensure these impacts are considered in development work. In addition, the MCPHD and IU FSHP intend to increase HIA capacity in Indiana and remain committed to including health impact data into non-health sector decision making. Methods: The group planned to meet monthly over the year with the following learning objectives. A survey was created in Survey Monkey in order to evaluate the overall HIA Learning Collaborative experience and to assess whether or not the learning objectives were met. The survey consisted of 11 questions: nine were multiple choice and two were open-ended. Results: The majority of the objectives were met. Conclusion: There is interest in conducting HIAs in the future and several ideas were generated.

scholarly journals Health impact assessment: what it takes, what it can and cannot deliver

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Martuzzi ◽  
J Nowacki
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Constant Attention ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Political Environments

Abstract WHO, along with other health agencies, has been long promoting intersectoral action between health and all sectors of society, so as to address major, “upstream” determinants of health. Sectors as environment, transport, energy, agriculture etc, influence countless, powerful such determinants, mostly out of reach for the health sector; health-friendly (or at least health-minded) decisions on those determinants can result in a strong leverage for health advocates to achieve primary prevention. This undertaking requires: the establishment of a common language to be used with other sectors; the recognition of the complex web of causation between health determinants and health outcomes; commitment to working with a broad model of health combined with a preparedness to prioritise where necessary; a sound comprehension of the reality of decision making in different political environments; realistic expectations on what can and cannot be achieved through cross-sectoral dialogue; willingness to listen to stakeholders; constant attention towards health equity. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an established approach towards these goals. HIA describes a broad range of methods and tools, building on different disciplines and expertise. HIA aims at estimating and predicting consequences and impacts of proposed policies and plans, with the ultimate goal of influencing decisions, making them more health friendly, equitable, legitimate and sustainable. The practice of HIA has been evolving in the last 20 years. Many years of application have been instrumental in identifying strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats in different settings. HIA has delivered handsomely in some countries or regions, while it struggles to become established in others. A continued critical evaluation of successes and failures remain important to make further progress in this domain. In this presentation, WHO will present recent progress and open questions on the practice of HIA in Europe.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of trace elements (As, Cd, Ni, Pb) from PM10 aerosols and human health impact assessment in an Eastern European country, Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 193 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katalin Bodor ◽  
Zsolt Bodor ◽  
Róbert Szép
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Eastern European Country ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Health Impact ◽  
Study Results

AbstractIn the present study, the concentrations of trace elements in PM10 were determined and analyzed at 115 monitoring stations in Romania throughout the period 2009–2018. The spatiotemporal distribution of trace element concentrations of PM10, the source apportionment and health impact assessment, was carried out. The results showed a very high multi-annual mean concentration for PM10 and trace elements as well. The multiannual average concentration of PM10 was higher by 29.75% than the World Health Organization recommendation. All studied air pollutants showed a decreasing trend during the studied years, showing with 17.84%, 50.21%, 43.36%, 11.27%, and 72.09% lower values for PM10, As-, Cd-, Ni-, and Pb-, respectively, due to environmental regulations. To assess the human health impact, the hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR) were calculated using the health risk model developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Cd and Ni might present a non-carcinogenic risk to both adults and children; however, the hazard quotient values are higher than the safe limit, with 9.53 and 1.93, respectively. In addition, our study results revealed that the inhalation of As, Cd and the dermal absorption of all studied trace elements were considered as the most important risk factors for developing cancer, especially in case of adults.

How can corporate HIA help shape regulatory environments for Trans-National Corporations?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Baum ◽  
J Anaf ◽  
M Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Transnational Corporations ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Transnational Corporations (TNCs) exercise considerable sway over population health. They now comprise 157 of the 200 largest economies in the world and shape our food choices and degree of exploitation of our natural environment. This paper will analyse data from two corporate health impact assessments exercise (food and extractive industries) to determine what government and international agency regulatory actions are required to minimize the health harm causes by the actions of TNCs. Methods We used a Corporate Health Impact Assessment (CHIA) framework, data sourced through document and media analyses, and semi-structured interviews to examine the practices of McDonalds in Australia and Rio Tinto in Australia and South Africa. Data were mapped against the CHIA framework's three sections which are: i) the impact of regulatory environments ii) How TNC practices and products impact on health and equity ii) the direct impact of TNCs practices on daily living conditions. Results The CHIA exercise indicated an absence of effective international regulation on the actions of TNCs and that national regulatory regimes can encourage more responsible behavior from TNCs, for example in occupational health and safety. We identified the need for a much higher level of global and national regulation to: i) prevent the many conflicts of interest we found ii) reduce the extent to which TNC products are unhealthy iii) enforce healthy employment practices iv) prevent externalization of the costs of TNCs v) prevent taxation minimization. Conclusions The study highlighted the ways in which TNCs can use their power and size to maintain a de-regulated environment. Concerted global and national action is required to regulate in favour of human health and safety and that of the environment. Our findings support the need for an enforceable international treaty. Key messages Transnational corporations have a massive impact on population health. A health impact assessment can identify the pathways of impact and be used to inform regulatory action to promote health.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Attitude towards the Gradual Reduction of Salt in Bread – an Online Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Costa ◽  
L Costa ◽  
J Santos ◽  
P Braz ◽  
M Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Gradual Reduction ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Four Blocks

Abstract Background Bread is one of the main sources of salt intake in Portugal. Based on this evidence, a protocol signed between national Health Sector and the Associations of Industrial Bakeries, in 2017, established gradually decrease salt in bread until 2021. This measure also targets schools’ available bread, this should not exceed 1g salt, to end of 2018. A pilot Health Impact Assessment (HIA) aims to assess the potential impact on salt reduction in bread on the eating habits of children (6-18 years) and their families. Methods A questionnaire is being performed to assess the effect of this measure. The first version was designed by a panel of 11 experts (content validity), following the plain text principles. A external specialist revised it for facial validity. A pilot was tested. Thereafter, a REDCap online survey of “Knowledge and Attitude towards the Gradual Reduction of Salt in Bread” questionnaire was finalized. The target group is the parents or guardians of children and young persons, of School Clusters in the south of Portugal. Results Final online survey totalizes 33 items, divided into four blocks: 1.Knowledge and General literacy data, 2.Domestic Consumption, 3.Scholar consumption and 4.Sociodemographic. An adult responsible for the child/young person should answer the survey. Access is possible through a REDCap link, using computers available in the School Cluster, or other manner suitable for the purpose. Conclusions This survey will contribute to the identification of modifiable behaviors related with salt intake. Such evidence may eventually provide the opportunity for new strategies in this area. Key messages Health Impact Assessment as a procedure to assess the effects of measures and policies on human health. Questionnaires are a rapid tool to access perceptions, attitudes and knowledge.

scholarly journals Using human epidemiological analyses to support the assessment of the impacts of coal mining on health

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-401
Author(s):  
Javier Cortes-Ramirez ◽  
Peter D. Sly ◽  
Jack Ng ◽  
Paul Jagals
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Measures Of Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The potential impacts of coal mining on health have been addressed by the application of impact assessment methodologies that use the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses to support their conclusions and recommendations. Although human epidemiological analyses can provide the most relevant measures of risk of health outcomes in populations exposed to coal mining by-products, this kind of studies are seldom implemented as part of the impact assessment methods. To review the use of human epidemiological analyses in the methods used to assess the impacts of coal mining, a systematic search in the peer review literature was implemented following the PRISMA protocol. A synthesis analysis identified the methods and the measures used in the selected publications to develop a thematic review and discussion. The major methodological approaches to assess the impacts of coal mining are environmental impact assessment (EIA), health impact assessment (HIA), social impact assessment (SIA) and environmental health impact assessment (EHIA). The measures used to assess the impacts of coal mining on health were classified as the estimates from non-human-based studies such as health risk assessment (HRA) and the measures of risk from human epidemiological analyses. The inclusion of human epidemiological estimates of the populations exposed, especially the general populations in the vicinity of the mining activities, is seldom found in impact assessment applications for coal mining. These methods rather incorporate HRA measures or other sources of evidence such as qualitative analyses and surveys. The implementation of impact assessment methods without estimates of the risk of health outcomes relevant to the potentially exposed populations affects their reliability to address the environmental and health impacts of coal mining. This is particularly important for EIA applications because these are incorporated in regulatory frameworks globally. The effective characterization of the impacts of coal mining on health requires quantitative estimates of the risk, including the risk measures from epidemiological analyses of relevant human health data.

scholarly journals Population Dynamics and Air Pollution: The Impact of Demographics on Health Impact Assessment of Air Pollution

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esben Meulengracht Flachs ◽  
Jan Sørensen ◽  
Jakob Bønløkke ◽  
Henrik Brønnum-Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Health Impact Assessments ◽  
Mortality Causes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Municipal Level

Objective. To explore how three different assumptions on demographics affect the health impact of Danish emitted air pollution in Denmark from 2005 to 2030, with health impact modeled from 2005 to 2050.Methods. Modeled air pollution from Danish sources was used as exposure in a newly developed health impact assessment model, which models four major diseases and mortality causes in addition to all-cause mortality. The modeling was at the municipal level, which divides the approximately 5.5 M residents in Denmark into 99 municipalities. Three sets of demographic assumptions were used: (1) a static year 2005 population, (2) morbidity and mortality fixed at the year 2005 level, or (3) an expected development.Results. The health impact of air pollution was estimated at 672,000, 290,000, and 280,000 lost life years depending on demographic assumptions and the corresponding social costs at 430.4 M€, 317.5 M€, and 261.6 M€ through the modeled years 2005–2050.Conclusion. The modeled health impact of air pollution differed widely with the demographic assumptions, and thus demographics and assumptions on demographics played a key role in making health impact assessments on air pollution.

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