Health Impact Assessment

ESPINOSA MARÍA B.

Congreso; SETAC Latin America 11th Biennial Meeting; 2015

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)

Title - Health Impact Assessment Description Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a means of assessing the health impacts of policies, plans and projects in diverse economic sectors using quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques. HIA helps decision-makers make choices about alternatives and improvements to prevent disease/injury and to actively promote health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): ?Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviors. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. This definition excludes behavior not related to environment, as well as behavior related to the social and cultural environment, and genetics?.In that context, within this meeting, I´d like to propose a session including works about the impact on public health of all sectors of productive activity: especially sectors such as transport, agriculture and housing construction that have profound impacts on human health. Comments: For instance, transport is a major factor in traffic injuries, air pollution and noise. But "healthy transport policies" can help reduce these risks, as well as promoting walking and cycling. In agriculture, fertilizers and pesticides may boost crop yields. But wise use is important to protect farm workers and consumers from excessive chemical exposure. Key words: Air pollution - Climate change - Water and sanitationTaken from World Health Organization web site: Health Topics, Environmental Health.Please refer to http://www.who.int/topics/environmental_health/en/