Further testing of health affects ordered for New Jersey Superfund site

By Brian Cole

Published on May 01, 2006

In January, roughly 700 current and former residents of this area near the Ringwood Mines site sued the Ford Motor Co. Ford had hired contractors to dump toxic waste at the site, including paint sludge and heavy metals. The joint federal-state report says residents were likely exposed to harmful chemicals through skin contact with paint sludge and contaminated water and soil. The report adds that they were also likely exposed to contaminated drinking water through the 1980s.

The report listed unsafe levels of the metals lead, antimony and arsenic as well as chemicals Benzene and PCBs, despite cleanups by Ford. Exposure to these chemicals is particularly harmful to children.

By going back on the federal Superfund site list, the Ringwood Mines site will once again be listed among the worst environmental disasters in recent years. The report acknowledges residents' concerns about cancer, neurological and respiratory disorders and other health problems.

"We know that the residents have many health questions, and we're committed to making sure they receive the attention they need," said state Health Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs.

The report also recommends: remediating all paint sludge; resuming monitoring of offsite drinking wells; and determining the environmental impacts on plants and animals, especially those eaten by residents.

Comment on this article →