Planning and Community Health Research Center

Brownfield Remediation and Reuse

Brownfields are underused or abandoned sites contaminated by hazardous materials and toxins such as hydrochloric acid, zinc compounds, arsenic, and lead.

Improper reuse of these sites can result in exposure to these toxins and serious health complications:

• acute and chronic pulmonary conditions
• cancer
• cardiovascular disease
• birth defects
• psychological and behavioral deficits
• brain and nerve damage
• digestive problems
• other negative health consequences

Despite these health risks, with proper decontamination and reuse strategies, brownfields can become sites of opportunities — community gardens, urban farms, parks, playgrounds, rain gardens, and other community amenities.