Build Reuse - General
Root
- About the Build Reuse Wiki
- Brief History of the Build Reuse Wiki
- Why Deconstruct and Reuse
- Envisioning a Circular Building Sector
- Circular Design Tools
- Case Studies
- Guides
- Reuse Store and Material Recovery Maps and Databases
- Deconstruction and Reuse Networks
- Deconstruction and Reuse News Outlets
- Conference and Webinar Materials
- RFIs / Opportunities to Give Feedback
- Funding Opportunities
Deconstruction and material reuse is a major tool to meet environmental goals related to waste reduction, carbon mitigation, and building a green workforce - but it's also incredibly vital for the health and safety of our communities and natural ecosystems. Note that the below descriptions are courtesy of Stephanie Phillips, Deconstruction & Circular Economy Program Manager at City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation.
Environmental Hazards
Demolition generates an array of environmental hazards, from airborne dust and particulate matter to the release of harmful substances like asbestos and lead. These pollutants can have severe health consequences for nearby residents, construction workers, and the surrounding ecosystem.
The practice of pre-demolition walkthroughs and deconstruction as opposed to demolition can reduce the proliferation of these hazards.
Air Quality and Respiratory Issues
Air pollution resulting from demolition activities poses a significant risk to respiratory health. Fine particles and airborne toxins can enter the lungs and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. These conditions are further exacerbated when air quality is already at unsafe levels due to pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat.
Noise Pollution and Stress
The noise and vibrations associated with demolition can disrupt communities and negatively impact mental health. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to stress, anxiety, and even cardiovascular issues. Demolition happens to people as much as it happens to buildings!
Water Contamination
Demolition activities can also contribute to water contamination, as hazardous materials seep into the soil and nearby water sources. Polluted water can affect local ecosystems and, in some cases, even contaminate drinking water supplies.
Further Resources
For more information on the health effects of demolitions, refer to the following article by deconstruction and reuse consultant Sara Badiali: http://www.reclamationadministration.com/2016/07/22/deconstruction-vs-demolition-portland-oregons-potential-for-groundbreaking-health-and-safety-studies-in-building-demolition-by-sara-badiali/
For a case study on demolitions and their health impacts in New York City, refer to the below paper by Emile Bensedrine (graduate of the Cornell University Urban and Regional Studies program; intern at the Christopherson Center).
Bensedrine SCCCP C&D paper.pdf (15.84 MB)
There have not been studies linking the EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool to the prevalence of demolition projects; however, a number of the indicators it measures may be linked to demolition impacts.
Public Health and Safety
Deconstruction and material reuse is a major tool to meet environmental goals related to waste reduction, carbon mitigation, and building a green workforce - but it's also incredibly vital for the health and safety of our communities and natural ecosystems. Note that the below descriptions are courtesy of Stephanie Phillips, Deconstruction & Circular Economy Program Manager at City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation.
Environmental Hazards
Demolition generates an array of environmental hazards, from airborne dust and particulate matter to the release of harmful substances like asbestos and lead. These pollutants can have severe health consequences for nearby residents, construction workers, and the surrounding ecosystem.
The practice of pre-demolition walkthroughs and deconstruction as opposed to demolition can reduce the proliferation of these hazards.
Air Quality and Respiratory Issues
Air pollution resulting from demolition activities poses a significant risk to respiratory health. Fine particles and airborne toxins can enter the lungs and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. These conditions are further exacerbated when air quality is already at unsafe levels due to pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat.
Noise Pollution and Stress
The noise and vibrations associated with demolition can disrupt communities and negatively impact mental health. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to stress, anxiety, and even cardiovascular issues. Demolition happens to people as much as it happens to buildings!
Water Contamination
Demolition activities can also contribute to water contamination, as hazardous materials seep into the soil and nearby water sources. Polluted water can affect local ecosystems and, in some cases, even contaminate drinking water supplies.
Further Resources
For more information on the health effects of demolitions, refer to the following article by deconstruction and reuse consultant Sara Badiali: http://www.reclamationadministration.com/2016/07/22/deconstruction-vs-demolition-portland-oregons-potential-for-groundbreaking-health-and-safety-studies-in-building-demolition-by-sara-badiali/
For a case study on demolitions and their health impacts in New York City, refer to the below paper by Emile Bensedrine (graduate of the Cornell University Urban and Regional Studies program; intern at the Christopherson Center).
Bensedrine SCCCP C&D paper.pdf (15.84 MB)
There have not been studies linking the EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool to the prevalence of demolition projects; however, a number of the indicators it measures may be linked to demolition impacts.