More building projects could be subjected to health impact studies under a new proposal floated by the Health Directorate.

... people who are exposed to dust and fumes complain of discomfort like shortness of breath and coughing

The planning authority already carries out such studies but this is mostly reserved for big projects that are subject to an environmental impact assessment and, even here, the tests can be basic.

Following the latest outcry, particularly on the impact of construction site dust on people living nearby, a spokesman said the government wanted project applications to be screened to determine whether a health impact assessment was needed.

This proposal was listed in the recently-launched National Environment Policy 2012.

The health spokesman said the directorate was regularly consulted on major development applications and would specifically look into air quality, noise and vibration considerations and the effect on public health.

However, the directorate intends pushing for more. It plans to push for screening to determine whether a health impact assessment would be needed.

ENT specialist Alec Lapira and respiratory physician Joseph Cacciottolo agreed that while construction dust was not likely to cause problems to healthy people, it had an impact on the health of those who suffered from respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma.

Dr Lapira said that a healthy person exposed to dust could experience dry eyes and itching in the nose and roof of the mouth. But, in the case of people who had underlying conditions, even small amounts of dust could lead to sinusitis or an asthma attack, for example.

While short-term exposure to dust would not cause a respiratory problem, it could trigger latent conditions such as allergies or asthma.

Prof. Cacciottolo agreed that there was no hard evidence proving that dust caused respiratory problems in Malta.

“However, from personal experience, people who have respiratory problems and are exposed to dust and fumes complain of discomfort like shortness of breath and coughing,” he said.

Michael Falzon, from the Malta Developers Association, said the association always advised developers to respect residents. “You can’t lump all developers in one basket. There are people who care about residents and those who don’t… Imposing regular health impact assessments would push up the price of a building as nothing comes free,” he said.

Sliema residents recently compared the area to a war zone and said restrictions should be made on the number of projects allowed at one time.