5 AREAS IN CAMDEN AND GLOUCESTER CITY
The Welsbach/General Gas Mantle Contamination Site (Site), located along the Delaware River waterfront, is comprised of two former incandescent gas mantle manufacturing facilities, as well as nearly 1,000 residential, commercial/industrial, and recreational properties in the cities of Camden and Gloucester City, New Jersey. The Welsbach Company manufactured gas mantles at its facility in Gloucester City from the 1890s through the 1940s, while the General Gas Mantle Facility (GGM) operated in Camden from 1912 to 1941. Both companies used the radioactive element thorium in the manufacturing process since thorium caused the mantles to glow more brightly when heated. Welsbach extracted the thorium from monazite ore while GGM only used refined thorium in its processes. During the years these facilities were in operation, their process material was used as fill throughout the surrounding area. In addition, four nearby residential areas exhibit elevated levels of gamma radiation. Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through federal and state actions.
11,223 |
People living within a 1 mile radius |
$63,279 |
Average Income |
3,862 |
Occupied homes |
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