Chronicles of Health Impact Assessment (Jun 2018)

Health Impact Assessment of the construction of hydroelectric dams in Brazil

  • Diego Velloso Veronez,
  • Karina Camasmie Abe,
  • Simone Georges El Khouri Miraglia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18060/21777
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
pp. 11 – 36

Abstract

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Background: Brazil´s dam-building plans in Amazonia imply substantial environmental and social impacts. This study evaluates the relationship between social, environmental, and economic aspects and impacts on the health status of the population of Rondônia, Brazil, due to the implementation of the Jirau and Santo Antônio hydroelectric dams. Methods: A qualitative and retrospective Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is used to focus the study objectives. The information is arranged in a structured diagram that enables an outside reviewer to assess the aspects/impacts relationship derived from the construction of the dams. This comes with outline recommendations for health risk management that can orient national health authorities. We selected a narrative review synthesis as the most appropriate approach for the study. Results: The diagram network was built making it possible to analyse the impact changes caused by this enterprise in the health sector. Additionally, the model will serve in the implementation of a complete HIA approach in an attempt to quantitatively map the impacts and to propose recommendations. Conclusion: This effort is very important for highlighting the priorities in the public policy decision-making process, serving as a basis for the Brazilian Health System.