Integrating human health into environmental impact assessment: an unrealized opportunity for environmental health and justice

Abstract

The National Environmental Policy Act and related state laws require many public agencies to analyze and disclose potentially significant environmental effects of agency actions, including effects on human health. In this paper we review the purpose and procedures of environmental impact assessment (EIA), existing regulatory requirements for health effects analysis, and potential barriers to and opportunities for improving integration of human health concerns within the EIA process. We use statutes, regulations, guidelines, court opinions, and empirical research on EIA along with recent case examples of integrated health impact assessment (HIA)/EIA at both the state and federal level. We extract lessons and recommendations for integrated HIA/EIA practice from both existing practices as well as case studies. The case studies demonstrate the adequacy, scope, and power of existing statutory requirements for health analysis within EIA. The following support the success of integrated HIA/EIA: a proponent recognizing EIA as an available regulatory strategy for public health; the openness of the agency conducting the EIA; involvement of public health institutions; and complementary objectives among community stakeholders and health practitioners. We recommend greater collaboration among institutions responsible for EIA, public health institutions, and affected stakeholders along with guidance, resources, and training for integrated HIA/EIA practice.

Integrating Human and Ecosystem Health Through Ecosystem Services Frameworks

“…The pressing challenge of environmental change is underlining the need for environmental interventions with dual conservation and human health goals (e.g. Bhatia and Wernham 2009 ; Costello et al 2009 ; Harris et al 2009 ). Yet the natural environment remains poorly integrated into health research and policy (Lang and Rayner 2012 ; Reis et al 2013 ).…”

Health Impact Assessment

“…HIAs offer great potential for promoting health by encouraging decisions that protect and enhance health and health equity. 3,4 There is increasing recognition that many contemporary health issues are profoundly influenced by factors outside the traditional realm of health and health care. Factors such as literacy, poverty, employment, and racism contribute to disparities in life expectancy as well as to health-related quality of life.…”

“…Although most EISs in the United States incorporate little about health effects, experience in California and Alaska has demonstrated that a wide range of health effects can be successfully integrated into the EIS process. 3 Beyond increasing attention to health outcomes within EISs, the potential applications of HIAs are clearly evident. For example, although air pollution and injury prevention are often considered in major transportation projects, the influence of road design on physical activity and obesity is not.…”

“…[3][4][5] The TABLE highlights selected HIAs in the United States and outcomes associated with those efforts. HIAs can make an important contribution to social equity and the elimination of health disparities, especially when community input is incorporated into the planning, conduct, and communications processes of HIAs.…”

“…HIAs can make an important contribution to social equity and the elimination of health disparities, especially when community input is incorporated into the planning, conduct, and communications processes of HIAs. 3 Several pieces of current federal legislation have important implications for health. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub L No.…”