Open AccessThe Use of Health Impact Assessment for a Community Undergoing Natural Gas Development
Author(s) -
Roxana Z. Witter,
Lisa M. McKenzie,
Kaylan E. Stinson,
Kenneth Scott,
Lee S. Newman,
John L. Adgate
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2012.301017
Subject(s) - public health , health impact assessment , environmental health , environmental planning , natural (archaeology) , natural experiment , natural gas , business , political science , medicine , environmental science , geography , engineering , nursing , archaeology , pathology , waste management
The development of natural gas wells is rapidly increasing, yet little is known about associated exposures and potential public health consequences. We used health impact assessment (HIA) to provide decision-makers with information to promote public health at a time of rapid decision making for natural gas development. We have reported that natural gas development may expose local residents to air and water contamination, industrial noise and traffic, and community changes. We have provided more than 90 recommendations for preventing or decreasing health impacts associated with these exposures. We also have reflected on the lessons learned from conducting an HIA in a politically charged environment. Finally, we have demonstrated that despite the challenges, HIA can successfully enhance public health policymaking.