An indicator framework to measure effects of Brownfields redevelopment on public health.

I ntroduction Brownfields and land reuse sites (brown­ fields) are formerly used industrial, com­ mercial, and residential properties stigma­ tized by real or perceived contamination. The effects of blight and potential contamination associated with these sites can weigh heav­ ily on communities. Communities with mul­ tiple brownfields tend to have multiple pub­ lic health issues. The issues include reduced property values, increased potential for expo­ sures to harmful chemicals, increased crime rates, substance abuse, lack of green space or areas for recreation, decreased access to healthy foods, poor air quality, contaminated soil or water, and elevated blood lead levels or asthma prevalence, among others. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR’s) Brownfields/ Land Reuse Health Initiative offers techni­ cal support and resources to communities to encourage the inclusion of public health in revitalization plans. The ATSDR Brownfields/ Land Revitalization Action Model (Action Model) is one resource designed to integrate public health in redevelopment by creating community-driven health status indicators. Prior to developing the Action Model, ATSDR researched existing community assessment frameworks and found that these frameworks primarily focused on sus­ tainable development, health promotion, and health status assessment. This review indicated that a community-driven empha­ sis was lacking and revealed a need for a community-driven model inclusive of grass roots public health indicators to address the adverse effects of brownfields in communi­ ties. Because communities with multiple brownfields tend to be disproportionately affected economically, the need for an indi­ cator framework that can be implemented with little to no funding sources or with no consultant facilitation is critical.