Environmental Health Information
Brownfields and Public Health
Information for local governments, developers, lenders and citizens
What is the relationship between brownfields and public health?
Brownfields are typically commercial or industrial properties that are abandoned,
underused or not considered for development because of possible contamination.
Examples of brownfields include former manufacturing facilities, gas stations, dumps,
and small businesses such as printers or dry cleaners. With any brownfield, the
possibility of contamination should be carefully evaluated in order to protect people from
exposure to hazardous substances.
The Minnesota Department of Health is one of several state agencies that may play a role
in restoring brownfields to productive use. Redeveloping brownfields is good public
health practice. It prevents exposure to hazardous substances, eliminates physical
hazards and improves the overall quality of life for the surrounding community.
Are all brownfield sites contaminated?
No, not all brownfields are contaminated with
hazardous substances. Some sites may simply be
an eyesore due to rundown buildings or
accumulated trash. However, many sites are
contaminated to some degree as a result of past
uses.
For example, a dry cleaning business may have
disposed of chemical solvents down the drain,
contaminating the groundwater. Or, older
buildings may have been constructed with
asbestos containing materials like pipe insulation
which is a serious health hazard when disturbed
during demolition or renovation.
An abandoned metalworking shop may have left behind processing wastes or metal
degreasing solvents. Underground storage tanks at old gas stations may have leaked
petroleum products into the soil and groundwater.
How could contamination affect people’s health?
For contamination to affect people’s health, two conditions must occur: 1.) the level of
contamination is high enough to be hazardous to human health, and 2.) there is a way that
people might come into contact (be “exposed”) to the contamination. People might be
exposed by walking on the site, by wind carrying contamination off of the site, or by
drinking groundwater affected by the site. This can be before, during, or after
redevelopment.
If these two conditions are not occurring, there is little chance that people’s health could
be affected. If these two conditions do exist, there still often needs to be further
investigation to determine the size of the problem and best determine how to deal with it.
How does MDH become involved?
The Site Assessment and Consultation (SAC) Unit at MDH can be requested to evaluate
brownfields by citizens, local governments, other state agencies or the US Environmental
Protection Agency. The SAC Unit works with stakeholders to ensure that investigations
and cleanups consider and address public health concerns.
The SAC Unit can provide recommendations about the redevelopment of contaminated
land that includes residential buildings, parks, childcare centers, and schools to ensure
that sensitive populations are protected. When brownfields are in or near residential
communities and the contamination is above health-based criteria, the SAC Unit can
provide technical assistance. The SAC Unit is often involved when there are unusual
contaminants or routes of exposure. The SAC Unit also provides communities and health
care professionals with education about contaminants and exposures.
In addition to the SAC Unit, MDH involvement with brownfields includes evaluating
chemical toxicity and developing safe exposure levels for the general public, establishing
Special Well Construction Advisories in areas with known groundwater contamination,
and implementing prevention activities targeted at asbestos, mold, lead and radiation.
If I have health concerns related to a brownfield site, who should I contact?
Contact Jim Kelly, Site Assessment and Consultation Unit, MDH, at (651) 201-4910 or
by email at [email protected] .
For general information on brownfields in Minnesota, contact the Voluntary Investigation
and Cleanup Program (VIC) at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at (651) 2967291.
If you require this document in another format, such as large print, Braille or cassette tape,
please call (651) 201-4899.
This information sheet was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Department of HealthØDivision of Environmental HealthØSite Assessment and Consultation Unit
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
651.201.4899, or 1.800.657.3908, press 4Øwww.health.state.mn.us