ZIP: 07201

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Score: 10/10

Elizabeth faces a critical environmental safety rating of 10.0. The primary threat is the Superfund site at 232 East 1st Avenue. This location is heavily contaminated with mercury, a dangerous heavy metal. Mercury can seep into the soil and water, eventually entering the food chain or being inhaled as vapor. For your daily life, this means you should avoid disturbing soil or eating local fish. Long-term exposure can hurt your brain, kidneys, and your overall health.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score

10/10

Risk Level

Critical

Primary Contaminant

Mercury (Heavy Metal)

Nearest Superfund Site

232 EAST 1ST AVENUE

Distance to Nearest

4.0 mi

Sites Within 5 Miles

Sites Within 10 Miles

175

County

Union

NPL Status

Active

Regulatory Overview

The Superfund site at 232 East 1st Avenue is currently on the National Priorities List with an active status. Environmental investigations focus on mercury contamination, a persistent toxin that does not break down over time. Exposure pathways in Elizabeth include the inhalation of contaminated dust, ingestion of tainted groundwater, and dermal contact with industrial soil. Mercury exposure is linked to neurological damage, respiratory failure, and developmental issues in children. With 54 hazardous sites within five miles, the cumulative toxic load in ZIP 07201 is exceptionally high. Regulatory oversight by the EPA aims to contain the plume, but residents must remain vigilant. To defend your health, first, use certified high-efficiency particulate air filters indoors to reduce the intake of contaminated dust. Second, avoid all recreational fishing or crabbing in local waterways due to bioaccumulation of heavy metals in aquatic life. Third, ensure all shoes are removed at the entryway of your home to prevent tracking mercury-laden soil into living spaces. You can track progress by searching EPA ID 110071100942 on the official EPA Superfund database. These measures provide a critical barrier against the high density of industrial pollutants found in the surrounding Newark Bay area.

Threat Summary

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site Name	EPA ID	Distance	NPL Status
SETH BOYDEN TERRACE MERCURY INVESTIGATION	110039020369	1.83 mi	Active
ELIZABETHTOWN GAS ERIE ST. AREA D REMEDIATION	110007381378	1.91 mi	Active
WHITE CHEMICAL CORP.	110001530987	1.98 mi	Active
CHEMICAL CONTROL	110009299286	2.06 mi	Active
EASTERN METAL RECYCLING FIRE	110070215858	2.18 mi	Active
MARINERS MARSH	110025318029	2.26 mi	Active
NATIONWIDE CFS	110030530316	2.28 mi	Active
BARGE 210 AND BERMAN NATHAN	110009342844	2.34 mi	Active
TSA AT NEWARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT	110071100358	2.47 mi	Active
SUPERIOR POLY BAGS	110014841494	2.7 mi	Active

Action Required

Residents should immediately contact local organizations for health and housing assistance. Reach out to the Repairer Of Broken Walls Inc for environmental advocacy and community support regarding local pollution. For housing concerns or relocation assistance due to environmental hazards, contact the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey at 201-489-3552. Alternatively, contact the County of Bergen Division of Senior Services at 201-336-7400 for specialized aid. These resources provide guidance on navigating contaminated areas and securing safe living environments. Priority should be given to households with children or elderly residents who are most vulnerable to mercury exposure.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified

Fair Housing Council Of Northern New Jersey

Hackensack, NJ

Call 201-489-3552 HUD Listing

County Of Bergen, Department Of Human Services, Division Of Senior Services

Hackensack, NJ

Call 201-336-7400 HUD Listing

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified

Hillside Victory Community Garden ClubEnvironmental
Repairer Of Broken Walls IncEnvironmental
Wondermapper Foundation IncEnvironmental

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.