New Jersey Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos Cleanup Complete
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this month that the Asbestos Dump Superfund site in Long Hill Township and Harding Township, Morris County, New Jersey has been successfully cleaned up, and the asbestos no longer poses a significant threat to public health or the environment. Asbestos is a human carcinogen and is known to cause mesothelioma.
Often called “asbestos cancer,” mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many standard cancer treatments. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, and the average survival time varies from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.
The asbestos contamination occurred between 1927 and 1975, when several different manufacturing companies disposed of waste products containing asbestos throughout the site, resulting in soil contamination. National Gypsum Company is the responsible party for the site.
Asbestos is so toxic even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, after symptoms become apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
One portion of the site comprises 7,700 acres of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This Registered National Natural Landmark is now managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife habitat and observation, and receives approximately 185,000 visitors per year.
The Morris County site has been deleted from the National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites, commonly known as the Superfund list.
