DCSIMG

Proposed fracking research ignores public health


Published on 16/02/2013 12:28

“Public Health is an essential aspect of any research study on fracking,” states Dr Aedín McLoughlin of Good Energies Alliance Ireland (GEAI).

“Whereas globally, attention is focussed on the environmental impacts of fracking, health does not depend on a clean environment alone; social and economic factors are also important, e.g. living conditions, a feeling of belonging, social justice, community and culture, social services, good jobs and fair wages.

“A major study on shale gas development from New Brunswick1 recommends the submission of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA), which includes all the above factors, on proposed shale gas projects.”

“The EPA proposed Terms of Reference for an extended study on fracking shows a lack of concern for Public Health. There is no representative from the Department of Health on the Steering Committee to oversee the study and no proposal to include a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the Terms of Reference.

According to GEAI “The New Brunswick report clearly shows the importance of having Public Health as a central element in any study on the impacts of fracking.”

“Whereas an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is proposed, we say that this is not enough. An EIA assumes that if regulations are put in place to protect the environment, then health will also be protected. Clean air and water are indeed important for health. However, only a HIA will include study of social and economic impacts, equally important for community well-being,” says the group.

GEAI demands that the EPA research study includes a Health Impact Assessment using this scenario of gas extraction. The EPA has invited submissions on the proposed Terms of Reference, with a deadline of 8th March.


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Thursday 23 May 2013

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