Health and Safety Near Demolition Areas

Overview

In May, the City of St. Louis began the necessary demolition of structures severely damaged by the tornado and deemed unsafe or beyond repair. As our crews work to safely remove these buildings, we want to prepare residents for temporary impacts like noise, dust, street closures, and increased truck traffic in affected neighborhoods.

We recognize that this stage of recovery may be difficult for many residents, families, and business owners. These structures hold memories; they were homes, livelihoods, and important cornerstones of the community. While demolition is a vital step toward rebuilding our future, we understand it can bring a painful, renewed sense of loss and uncertainty.

As we navigate this process, our commitment is to ensure you have health and safety information and connections to available City and health resources.

Stay Out of Demolition Areas

• Stay as far away from the demolition site as possible. 
• Do not pass barricades or fences set up for your protection.
• Do not walk or stand near construction equipment or vehicles.
• Do not handle debris from downed buildings.
• Wear earplugs or ear protection if you are near the demo site.

In addition to the physical debris, you should stay clear of demolition zones to reduce your exposure to dust and other airborne particles, which may contain hazardous materials like asbestos or chemical contaminants. These particles can worsen health conditions such as asthma, COPD, or other breathing difficulties, and asbestos particles are known to potentially cause cancer even in small concentrations.

Be Aware of Potential Contaminants

• Asbestos and Lead: Older buildings may contain hazardous materials like asbestos and lead, which can be released into the air during demolition. 
• Water contaminants: Avoid contact with demolition debris; DO NOT inhale dust particles or water vapors.
• Other Hazards: Potential hazards such as mold, bacteria, or chemicals may be present in demolition debris. 

Minimize Your Exposure to Dust and Particles

• Close doors and windows to prevent dust from entering your home or building.
• Clean your indoor spaces to remove any settled dust, using a vacuum cleaner if possible.
• Limit time outdoors during demo periods, especially if it is windy.
• The use of a NIOSH-approved N100, P100, or R100 respirator is recommended to minimize exposure to airborne hazardous materials if you are near a demolition site.
• Use a H14 HEPA filter in your air conditioner and replace it more often than usual.

What the City is Doing to Protect Public Health and Safety During Demolitions

• To reduce the spread of dust generated by demolition activities, buildings are soaked prior to any work (6-10 hours before wrecking activities begin), and during any activities that generate dust.
• Filters are placed in storm drains that may collect water used on site, and disposed of separately, to prevent potential contamination of the combined sewer system.
• A certified asbestos-abatement supervisor is required to be on-site at any time that material is being handled and hauled.
• Any trucks containing potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are lined and covered, and ACMs are disposed of in licensed facilities.
• Call the Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) at 311 or 314-622-4800 if you see dust generated and no or low water suppression.

Supporting Emotional Health

Recovery is not only physical—it is emotional.

It is common to experience feelings such as:

• Sadness or grief
• Anxiety or worry
• Frustration
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

Stress when seeing damaged properties or hearing demolition activities
These reactions are normal after a disaster.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Talk with family, friends, neighbors, faith leaders, or trusted community members
• Take breaks from recovery-related news and social media when needed
• Maintain regular routines as much as possible
• Seek support if feelings become overwhelming or interfere with daily activities
   

Looking Out for One Another

Recovery is strongest when communities support one another.

Check on neighbors, particularly older adults, individuals living alone, and families who may need additional assistance during the demolition and rebuilding process.

If you are having a crisis, please remember you are not alone. You can call the BHR (Behavioral Health Response) Crisis hotline at 988 to talk to a professional who can help, 24/7.

Our Commitment

The City of St. Louis Department of Health will continue working with recovery partners to:

• Protect public health
• Minimize dust and environmental impacts
• Share information transparently
• Connect residents with available recovery resources

Recovery takes time, and no one should feel they must navigate it alone.
For questions, concerns, or recovery assistance, contact the STL Recovers Call Center at (833) 925-0977.