While urban transformation gives cities a modern appearance, it is important not to overlook the responsibility of protecting human health and the environment.
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, Occupational Health and Safety Expert, emphasized that one of the most critical stages of urban transformation, building demolitions, can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if not carried out with scientific methodology and precision. She stated that demolition activities can cause various hazardous substances to be released into the atmosphere depending on the structure of the building. Asbestos, heavy metals, crystalline silica, and radiation are the main hazards.
Assoc. Prof. Özay pointed out that asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in insulation, roofing, and pipe materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s. She said that asbestos fibers released into the air can cause fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining), and asbestosis when inhaled.
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, Director of R&D and Innovative Policies at Üsküdar University and faculty member of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, issued important warnings about the potential serious effects of building demolitions on the environment and public health in urban transformation projects.
Demolition dusts may contain asbestos and heavy metals
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay stated that urban transformation is a process carried out with the goal of increasing the resilience of cities and creating modern infrastructure. However, she emphasized that if one of the most important stages of this transformation, building demolition, is not handled with scientific methodology and care, it may pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Demolition activities can lead to the release of various hazardous substances into the atmosphere depending on the building’s structure. These hazards mostly arise from materials commonly used in old constructions. Demolition dusts contain a mixture of organic and inorganic substances. In this context, asbestos, heavy metals, crystalline silica, and radiation are the main hazards.
Asbestos risk in buildings constructed before the 1980s
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay detailed the hazardous materials that may emerge during demolitions and their effects on health.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in insulation, roofing, and pipe materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Asbestos fibers released into the air are classified as Group 1 carcinogens and can cause fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining), and asbestosis when inhaled.
Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which are found in old paints, pipes, and industrial equipment, may be released as dust particles during demolition. These metals cause toxic effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.
Crystalline silica (SiO₂) is an important component of dust that emerges when materials such as concrete, brick, and stone are broken apart. Without adequate precautions, exposure to silica dust causes silicosis, a permanent and incurable lung disease.
Radiation may also pose a risk during demolition in some old buildings where construction materials contain naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium, or in special medical or industrial facilities that have used radiation sources.
Critical finding after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake: “Respirable dust levels twice the limit value!”
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay stated that the release of these hazardous substances can lead to both acute and chronic health problems for demolition workers as well as for people living in the surrounding areas. She said, “Measurements taken in demolition zones show that respirable dust concentrations have reached extremely high levels. For example, in the TÜBİTAK project study we conducted as the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar University following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, we found that the average concentration of respirable dust during debris removal activities was more than twice the occupational exposure limit.”
It can cause fatal diseases such as lung cancer in workers
Emphasizing that workers are the group most directly and intensely exposed to hazardous substances, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Acute exposure can lead to respiratory tract irritation, allergic reactions, and skin problems, while chronic and high-level exposure may cause long-term and fatal occupational diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The progression rate of these diseases depends on factors such as the duration of exposure in dusty environments, particle size, and whether the environment is enclosed or open.”
Attention to children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay pointed out that dust and toxic substances dispersed by wind also pose serious risks for residents living near demolition areas. Özay said, “When we consider the risks to the surrounding population, dust and toxic substances carried by wind can pose significant health hazards to people living near demolition zones. As particle size decreases, the duration of suspension in the air increases, allowing the dust to travel longer distances. This can trigger respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, allergic reactions, and general toxic exposure. Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to these risks.”
How can these risks be minimized?
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay emphasized that minimizing these risks requires a scientific and legally compliant approach, and listed the necessary precautions as follows: “A preliminary analysis must be conducted. Before demolition, potential hazardous materials in the building, such as asbestos or lead, should be identified by experts. The removal of hazardous materials must be performed by experienced and certified teams using specialized equipment designed to prevent the spread of dust. Continuous application of dust suppression methods such as water spraying and moistening at the demolition site is critical to prevent particles from dispersing into the air.
Workers must use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as filtered masks, protective coveralls, gloves, and goggles. Environmental and occupational health inspections during demolition operations must be conducted in accordance with national and international regulations.”