Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a method used throughout the world to estimate both the positive and negative effects on the health of a certain population under specific conditions and at a specific time.
In the case of Narangba, the HIA will be used to investigate and analyse any current/potential future effects the Narangba Industrial Estate may have on the health of the surrounding population (ie. the Narangba area consisting of Deception Bay, Narangba and North Lakes). Community concerns have been raised about the impact of emissions from industry on the health of the community. These concerns have mainly focussed around air emissions and includes odour.
Emissions to land, air and water are regulated by both the EPA and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. With respect to air, the main focus has been on particles and chemicals that have the potential to significantly impact on the environment and public health.
The range of chemicals and particles that are typically measured as part of a regulatory compliance program do not cover the majority of hazardous air pollutants that may be associated with long term human health impacts. The lack of available data resulted in the commissioning of a range of projects to provide information required to inform the health impact assessment. Some of this data is required to enable the consideration of human health risk while other data is used to identify area specific issues such as positive perceptions and wider general community thoughts and opinions.
Following the completion of surveys and monitoring and modelling activities, and an independent heath risk assessment based on the information collected, a report will be completed in the second half of 2009. This report will include an assessment of the impact of air emissions on the ambient air quality of the Narangba area and the potential human health risks associated with these emissions and, as appropriate, recommendations for government consideration.
The health impact assessment aims to:
For more information on HIA visit World Health Organization.
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