West Orange, NJ (07052) – Environmental Hazard Report

ZIP: 07052

West Orange, New Jersey

Score: 10/10

West Orange faces a critical safety risk due to historical radioactive contamination. The 1 Hour Martinizing Cleaners Superfund site and nearby radium locations pose severe threats to local soil and air quality. Radium is a radioactive element that increases cancer risks. In daily life, this means you must be cautious about soil contact and indoor air. Dust from gardening can carry radioactive particles. Residents should avoid disturbing ground soil to prevent inhaling or ingesting these dangerous materials.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score
10/10
Risk Level
Critical
Primary Contaminant
Radium (Radioactive)
Nearest Superfund Site
1 HOUR MARTINIZING CLEANERS
Distance to Nearest
3.6 mi
Sites Within 5 Miles
47
Sites Within 10 Miles
201
County
Essex
NPL Status
Active

Regulatory Overview

The 1 Hour Martinizing Cleaners site, EPA ID 110004254654, remains on the National Priorities List with an active status. This location is part of a broader network of radium-contaminated sites in the West Orange area, including the Montclair/West Orange Radium Site. Exposure occurs primarily through the inhalation of radon gas, a decay product of radium that accumulates in enclosed basements, and the ingestion of contaminated soil or groundwater. Long-term exposure to radium increases the risk of bone cancer and lung cancer. Cleanup efforts involve the excavation of radioactive soil and the installation of radon mitigation systems. To protect your health, you must implement three defensive measures. First, perform professional radon testing in your basement and lowest living levels immediately. Second, utilize HEPA-filtered air purification systems to reduce airborne particulates. Third, establish a no-shoe policy indoors to prevent tracking contaminated exterior soil into living spaces. Ongoing monitoring by the EPA is required to manage residual radiation levels that exceed safe regulatory thresholds. Residents should remain informed about remediation schedules to avoid active construction zones where radioactive dust may be disturbed and become airborne.

Threat Summary

West Orange faces a critical safety risk due to historical radioactive contamination. The 1 Hour Martinizing Cleaners Superfund site and nearby radium locations pose severe threats to local soil and air quality. Radium is a radioactive element that increases cancer risks. In daily life, this means you must be cautious about soil contact and indoor air. Dust from gardening can carry radioactive particles. Residents should avoid disturbing ground soil to prevent inhaling or ingesting these dangerous materials.

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site NameEPA IDDistanceNPL Status
MONTCLAIR/WEST ORANGE RADIUM SITE1100711008620.22 miActive
ANDSON PLATING INCORPORATED1100041665170.24 miActive
U.S. RADIUM CORP.1100093001670.6 miActive
ORANGE VALLEY REGIONAL GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION1100453960770.7 miActive
GLEN RIDGE RADIUM SITE1100711008610.78 miActive
WEST ORANGE MERCURY1100403196510.87 miActive
EAST ORANGE RADIUM1100711003421.81 miActive
FORMER A CORNFELD & CO., INC.1100711000132.09 miActive
THE LAUNDRY ZONE1100670398222.33 miActive
R & M CLEANERS1100670398682.36 miActive

Action Required

Residents must take immediate steps to secure their living environments against radioactive hazards. Contact the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey at 201-489-3552 for guidance on tenant rights regarding environmental safety and remediation requirements. Additionally, elderly residents should reach out to the County of Bergen, Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services at 201-336-7400 for support in accessing health monitoring resources. Support local environmental advocacy through the African Violet and Gesneriad Society of New Jersey to stay updated on local land use and soil health safety standards in West Orange.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified
Fair Housing Council Of Northern New Jersey
Hackensack, NJ
County Of Bergen, Department Of Human Services, Division Of Senior Services
Hackensack, NJ

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified
  • African Violet And Gesneriad Society Of New JerseyEnvironmental
  • American Friends Of Maggies Centre IncEnvironmental
  • Beautiful Mountainside A Nj Nonprofit CorporationEnvironmental

Data Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Facility data from EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS). Nonprofit data from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. Housing counseling data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This report is generated from publicly available government data and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For current site-specific information, visit EPA Superfund.

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