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Abstract Introduction: the effects on human health of environmental changes brought about by the installation of a hydroelectric power plant may be physical or mental. Objective: to identify health impacts from the implementation of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant in the perspectives of the affected families. Methodology: a qualitative study was conducted with farming families affected by the reservoir of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant. Results: the transformation of the environment generated impacts on human health engendering illnesses like depression, hypertension, insomnia, and alcoholism. Conclusion: results presented in this paper indicate that, in addition to environmental and social aspects, questions relating to the health of the affected population must be taken into account when assessing the impacts generated by the installation of a hydroelectric power plant.