Environmental Impact Assessment: An Analysis of the Methodological and Substantive Issues Affecting Human Health Considerations

This document, a technical report jointly developed by the Monitoring and Assessment Research Centre (MARC), WHO, and UNEP, provides an analysis of methodological and substantive issues in incorporating human health considerations into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. It outlines the historical context of EIA, beginning with the U.S. NEPA Act of 1969, and explores how EIA practices have evolved globally. Key sections delve into the challenges of defining criteria for project inclusion, the importance of scoping and alternatives, and the limitations of risk assessment and worst-case analysis. Emphasis is placed on the inclusion of health impacts, both direct and indirect, and the complexities of evaluating such effects within the planning process. The report critically examines how human health is often underrepresented in EIAs and underscores the need for greater participation from health authorities. Case studies and annexes provide practical guidance for identifying risks and designing assessments sensitive to human health, especially in developing countries.