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NPL Site Narrative for Maywood Chemical Co.
MAYWOOD CHEMICAL CO.
Maywood/Rochelle Park, New Jersey
Federal Register Notice: September 8, 1983Conditions at listing (December 1982): The Maywood Chemical Co. Site consists of three areas in Maywood and Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Starting in the early 1920s, Maywood Chemical processed radioactive thorium for, among other things, the production of mantles in gas lanterns. The process resulted in thorium waste that, while known to be radioactive, was not considered particularly dangerous at that time. The material was used as a fill in three areas now used for residential and commercial purposes. Testing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the State indicates that some areas show radiation levels above background. Radon gas is present at levels significantly higher than background in a home built in the residential neighborhood.
Status (July 1983): An EPA investigation is underway to determine the extent of contamination at areas not addressed previously by the State or NRC. EPA is also preparing a Remedial Action Master Plan which will assess all existing information and guide further actions at the site.
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.