27.-30.8.1996, Nagoya (JP), XIVth International Scietific Meeting of the International Epidemiological Association (IEA): Global Health in a Changing Environment

Venue: Nagoya Congress Center

Incl. Global Environmental Epidemiology Network (GEENET) meeting, 28 Aug 1996 (J. Last, C. Corvalàn)

Own contribution:

• Fehr, R., Kobusch, A.-B., Protoschill-Krebs, G., Serwe, H.-J. (1996): Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA): Underutilized tool for ecologic health protection and promotion. Abstract 29PMPS1115, Program book, p.213 [96-01]

Abstract:

• Purpose: To explore the potential of EHIA as a tool for health promotion; to develop a generic EHIA model; to contribute to efficient EHIA practice.
• Methods: Status quo assessment by survey and document analysis; development of comprehensive EHIA approach; evaluation of model applications.
• Results: Requirements of European law on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) include the assessment of human health impacts. In 71 EIA documents analyzed, health im­plications were rarely treated explicitly. A survey of 54 local health departments demonstrated current proced­ural deficiencies. A novel 10-step EHIA approach inte­grating quantitative risk assessment (QRA) methodology has been developed, covering prediction, assessment, communication, and evaluation. The approach was tested successfully in model applications concerning waste ma­nagement and highway planning and is now endorsed by the German Conference of Health Ministers. Recent develop­ment of dedicated Environmental Health information work­places also allows to provide for specific tools and re­sources for EHIA.
• Conclusion: Comprehensive EHIA has a great potential for environmental health promotion. Current obstacles to wide-spread use can be overcome by provision of adequate concept, efficient tools, and professional training.

Left: Conference poster; Right: Our poster (required size was 90cm in width, 180cm in height; foto of downsized model)