Redeveloping Brownfield and Land Reuse Sites to Benefit Communities
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
National Brownfields/Land Reuse Health Initiative
Brownfields and land reuse sites are areas that may be contaminated with chemicals from past or current uses. The National Brownfields/Land Reuse Health Initiative works with cities, towns, and neighborhoods to help redevelop these sites. We turn them into spaces such as schools, parks, and gardens, protecting residents from dangerous substances and improving public health.
Creating healthy and safe community spaces
Making it easier to get healthy foods
Increasing physical activity and safety
There are over 500,000 brownfields and land reuse sites in the U.S. These sites range in size from less than one acre to thousands of acres. Living near them can lead to health problems.
Our most important job is working directly with community members. We answer questions, provide resources, and stay involved as long as we’re needed.
ATSDR and its group of expert volunteers — the Brownfields & Reuse Opportunity Working Network (BROWN) — share knowledge and consult in the field with developers, officials, and others.
These materials help people assess the effects of brownfields and land reuse sites, and they allow communities to track their successes during and after redevelopment.
ATSDR awards grants for improving community health in areas with brownfields and land reuse sites.
Before: Abandoned church formerly used as a meth lab
After: Center for children’s art education
Before: Abandoned brass factory
After: New school and homes
Before: Land devastated by a 2005 chlorine spill
After: Community Gardens
Before: Brownfields in a medically underserved area
After: Community health clinic
We’ve also assisted on over 400 other sites — consulting with communities about possible exposures and contamination from brownfields.
To learn more about the National Brownfields/Land Reuse Health Initiative, visit:
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/brownfields
or email us at atsdr.landreuse@cdc.gov