HIA, EIA, SIA and Other Appraisals

Abstract

This chapter places health impact assessment (HIA) in the context of the historical development of impact assessment processes in the USA and globally. It begins by summarizing and comparing the largest families of impact assessment: environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA), and HIA, highlighting similarities and key topical differences. The relationship between EIA and HIA is discussed, US legal standards for EIA are described, and the use of HIA and SIA to address weaknesses in the EIA process is highlighted. Other impact assessment types, including integrated assessment and strategic environmental assessment, are also discussed. The chapter then contrasts HIA with other health research study types, including human health risk assessment, occupational health risk assessment, epidemiologic studies, health program evaluation, and cost–benefit analysis—approaches that may superficially resemble HIA but are in fact quite different. This chapter highlights the unique contributions that HIA can lend to this diverse array of impact assessment and health research methodologies.