While urban transformation provides cities with a modern appearance, it is emphasized that the responsibility to protect human health and the environment should never be overlooked.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, an OHS Specialist, noted that building demolitions, one of the most critical stages of transformation, can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if not handled with scientific methodology and meticulousness. She stated, “Demolition activities can cause various hazardous substances to mix into the atmosphere depending on the building's structure. Asbestos, heavy metals, crystalline silica, and radiation are the primary dangers.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay pointed out that asbestos is a fibrous mineral widely used in insulation, roofing, and pipe materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s. She added, “Asbestos fibers, when released into the air and inhaled, can lead to fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (pleural cancer), and asbestosis.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, Director of R&D and Innovative Policies and a Faculty Member in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, issued important warnings about the potential serious impacts of building demolitions in urban transformation projects on the environment and public health.
Building demolition dust can contain asbestos and heavy metals
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay noted that urban transformation is a process carried out with the aim of increasing cities' resilience and creating modern infrastructures. She stated, “However, building demolitions, one of the most critical stages of this transformation, contain serious risks for public health and the environment if not handled with scientific methodology and meticulousness. Demolition activities can cause various hazardous substances to mix into the atmosphere depending on the building's structure. These dangers primarily originate from materials widely used in older constructions. Demolition dust contains a mixture of organic and inorganic substances. In this context, asbestos, heavy metals, crystalline silica, and radiation are the main dangers.”
Asbestos danger in buildings constructed before the 1980s!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay detailed the hazardous substances that may emerge during demolitions and their health effects:
“Asbestos: It is a fibrous mineral widely used in insulation, roofing, and pipe materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Asbestos fibers, when released into the air and inhaled, are classified as Group 1 carcinogens that can lead to fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (pleural cancer), and asbestosis.
Heavy Metals: Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, found in old paints, pipes, and industrial equipment, can be released as dust particles during demolition. These metals cause toxic effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.
Crystalline Silica (SiO2): It is a significant component of dust generated by the fragmentation of building materials like concrete, brick, and stone. Exposure to silica dust, if adequate precautions are not taken, causes permanent and incurable lung diseases such as silicosis.
Radiation: Naturally occurring radioactive elements (e.g., uranium) in materials used in some old buildings or radiation sources in special medical or industrial facilities can pose a risk during demolition.”
Critical finding after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake: "Respirable dust is 2 times above the limit value!"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that the release of these hazardous substances can lead to acute and chronic health problems for both demolition workers and the surrounding public. She added, “Measurements taken in demolition zones show that respirable dust concentrations, in particular, reach very high levels. For instance, in our TÜBİTAK project research conducted by Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Department of Occupational Health and Safety after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, it was determined that the average concentration of respirable dust during debris removal operations was more than 2 times above the limit value.”
Can lead to fatal diseases like lung cancer in workers
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that workers are the group most directly and intensely exposed to hazardous substances. She said, “While acute exposure causes problems such as respiratory tract irritations, allergic reactions, and skin problems, chronic and high-level exposure can lead to long-term developing, fatal occupational diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The progression rate of the disease varies depending on factors such as the duration spent in dusty environments, particle size, and whether the environment is enclosed or open.”
Attention to children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that wind-borne dust and toxic substances also pose serious risks to the public living in areas close to demolition sites. She added, “Looking at the risks for the surrounding public, wind-borne dust and toxic substances pose serious risks for people living in areas close to demolition sites. As particle size decreases, the time the dust remains suspended in the air increases, and it can be carried over longer distances. This situation can trigger respiratory diseases (asthma and bronchitis), allergies, and general toxic exposure. Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly more sensitive to these risks.”
What are the ways to minimize risks?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that a scientific and legally compliant approach is essential to minimize these risks, listing the precautions to be taken as follows:
“Pre-analysis should be conducted. Before demolition, the presence of potential hazardous substances (asbest, lead, etc.) in the building must be determined by experts. The removal of hazardous materials should be carried out by experienced and certified teams, using special equipment, in a way that prevents dust dispersion. For dust control, continuous application of dust suppression methods such as water spraying and moistening in the demolition area is critically important in preventing particles from mixing into the air.
Workers must use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as masks (filtered), protective overalls, gloves, and goggles. Environmental and occupational health inspections carried out in demolition works must comply with national and international regulations.”