Abstract
This study was aimed to set up public scoping for investigation of possible health impacts from the Wieng Haeng mining project, using the participatory approach from public and other stakeholders. Results from literature review on possible health impacts, and data on the living styles of the affected community were used to identify the possible health impacts. Public and other stakeholders were allowed to join the study and provide suggestions for public scoping. It was found that there were four aspects of possible health impacts: physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Physical health impacts were: 1) Accidents and injuries from mining and transportation 2) Effects from noise 3) Diseases and effects from air pollution 4) Diseases and effects from water pollution 5) Effects from explosion 6) Labor migration and communicable diseases. Mental health impacts were expected from 7) Stress and anxiety. Social health impacts were likely from: 8) Effects to community life style 9) Effects from community migration and resettlement 10) Effects from depletion of forest and agriculture land. Spiritual health impacts were likely from 11) Effects from aesthetic changes and loss of loyalty to and connection with the locality and 12) Effects from losing their spiritual haven.
