On Saturday March 19, nearly 100 persons met to learn about and discuss the problem (and opportunities) posed by Brownfields sites in Atlanta. The group was comprised of a good mix of residents, government officials, academics (I am still getting used to this label), business owners, and students. The City has a redevelopment project underway to find ways to get these sites addressed and re-integrated into the neighborhood in a healthy and sustainable way. A brownfields site may or may not be significantly contaminated, but all represent a burden on the community and a lost opportunity.
I was asked to participate in a panel discussion of brownfields and public health. I have been involved with the South Atlanta for the Environment (SAFE) project to inventory and prioritize environmental health concerns. We reviewed data about brownfields as part of the project.
Some of the key questions from a public health standpoint include the following:
Is chemical, biological, or radiological contamination present on the site?
What are the levels and properties of any contamination present?
Who might be affected? Children, workers, and the elderly present special concerns.
How would people come into contact with the contamination? (breathing, eating, drinking, or direct contact)
Could the contamination spread off the site to expose even more people? This might be from blowing dust, tracking on pets, or through water, as examples
How much of the substances from contamination might people receive and for how long (dose)? It is the dose that makes the poison.
What are the potential health effects? These are specific to the type or contamination and the dose.
What physical hazards are present (cuts, falls, drowning, unstable structures, etc)?
What would be the future risk to health if contamination remains?
In addition to chemical contamination, other health issues should be considered:
Does the presence of the site contribute to stress among residents?
Does the site encourage criminal behavior or interpersonal violence?
Does the site harbor insects, rodents, aggressive dogs, or noxious plants?
Does the presence of a brownfields site contribute to the decline of a community? Blighted conditions cause lack of opportunity and increased deterioration of the neighborhood.
What else could be done with the property that would encourage the community as a healthy place? Can smart growth principles incorporate urban gardens, well-run greenspace, playgrounds, and other sustainable uses.)
What concerns have community members expressed that should be addressed?
We know that low income, minority, and disadvantaged communities suffer from a burden of environmental neglect and lack of amenities, and the environment contributes to the level of poor health. Redeveloping brownfields is an important aspect of overall neighborhood improvement.