Based upon the review of site data and information, ATSDR and the NJDOH have concluded
that the Montclair/West Orange/Glen Ridge Radium Contamination site posed a public health
hazard in the past (Prior to the remedial activities completed or underway at the site[s]). Chronic
exposure to excess radon and its progeny occurred in residences, and the presence of radium in
residential soils and building materials resulted in chronic exposure to gamma radiation in excess
of background levels. Furthermore, the site(s) currently are evaluated to be an indeterminate
public health hazard to occupants of those residences in sections of study areas which remain to
be screened during future remedial activities.
The remedial activities which have been conducted at the site by the USEPA were appropriate
and effective in eliminating the human exposure pathways identified at those properties which
have been screened, and are consistent with protection of the public health.
The Health Assessment for the MWG study areas (Appendix 5) considered the sites to be of
public health concern. Additional information and community concerns were sufficient to warrant
a new public health assessment.
For 30 years in the past and at the present time, until all surveys and abatements are completed,
about 290 residents at the Montclair site, 30 residents at the West Orange site, 210 residents at
the Glen Ridge site, and 100 Glen Ridge residents who frequented Barrow's Field may have been
exposed to hazardous concentrations of radon and/or radium/thorium.
Community health concerns focused on remediation efforts, adverse health effects, and
property values.
Passersby who walk past soils contaminated with excess radium/thorium probably receive an
insufficient exposure to warrant health concerns.
The potential for adverse health effects resulting from groundwater contamination is not
considered to be a viable concern because the residents in the site use city water supplies.
However, the potential for adverse health effects exist if the bedrock aquifer becomes
contaminated with radium/thorium.
Many houses in the three study areas have not yet been evaluated for elevated radiation levels.
Residents of these houses may continue to be exposed to excess radiation until the houses are
screened and abated.
Preliminary analyses found that non-radioactive toxicants were in elevated concentrations.
Thus, they may be of concern. There is insufficient information to determine the possibility that non-cancer health effects may have occurred as a result of toxic exposures.
The data and information developed in the Public Health Assessment for the Montclair/West
Orange/Glen Ridge sites, East Orange Townships, New Jersey, has been evaluated by ATSDR's
Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) for appropriate follow-up with respect to
health activities. The panel determined that the community health education being conducted by
the U.S. EPA is appropriate. In addition, the panel determined that because of the limited cancer
data, a health statistics review is needed.
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the Montclair/West Orange/Glen Ridge site contains a
description of actions to be taken by the NJDOH and/or the ATSDR at the site subsequent to the
completion of this public health assessment. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this
public health assessment not only identifies public health hazards but provides a plan of action
designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to
hazardous substances in the environment. Included is a commitment by the NJDOH and the
ATSDR to follow-up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented.
Environmental data and proposed remedial activities have been evaluated within the context of
human exposure pathways and relevant public health issues.
NJDOH will work with the ATSDR to develop a mechanism to fund a health statistics review
to further evaluate the incidence of cancer in the community.
ATSDR and the NJDOH will coordinate with the appropriate environmental agencies to
develop plans to implement the cease/reduce exposure and site characterization recommendations
contained in this health assessment.
ATSDR will provide an annual follow-up to this PHAP, outlining the actions completed and
those in progress. This report will be placed in repositories that contain copies of this health
assessment, and will be provided to persons who request it.
ATSDR will reevaluate and expand the Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) when needed. New
environmental, toxicological, health outcome data, or the results of implementing the above
proposed actions may determine the need for additional actions at this site.
The Public Health Assessment for the Montclair/West Orange/Glen Ridge Radium Contamination
sites was prepared by the New Jersey Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with
approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was
initiated.
Gregory V. Ulirsch, Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC), ATSDR, has reviewed this Public
Health Assessment and concurs with its findings.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Toxicological Profile for Radium. Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, December 1990.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Toxicological Profile for Radon.
Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, December 1990.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Toxicological Profile for Thorium.
Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, October 1990.
Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volume 2C. Third Edition, New York. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 1982.
Klotz, J., J. Petix, A. Gilbert, J. Rizzo and R. Zagraniski. Mortality Experience of Residents Exposed to Elevated Indoor Levels of Radon From an Industrial Source. New Jersey Department of Health. May 1988.
Samet, J. M. Review: Radon and Lung Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 81:745-757. 1989.
Shleien, B. The Health Physics and Radiological Health Handbook. Scinta, Inc. Silver
Spring, MD. 1989.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Draft Supplemental Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study for the Montclair/West Orange and Glen Ridge Radium Sites. Essex
County, New Jersey. April, 1989.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Record of Decision: Montclair/West
Orange/Glen Ridge Radium Site. USEPA Region II. June, 1990.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Community Action Plan: Montclair/West Orange/Glen Ridge Radium Site. USEPA Region II. June, 1992.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Technical Support Document for the 1992 Citizen's Guide to Radon. May, 1992.
