What caused the Contamination in Arlington street before it was demolished in 2004, and why no one couldn't go near it?

The contamination was caused by radioactive waste from the former General Gas Mantle factory on Arlington Street in South Camden, New Jersey, and the street was demolished in February 2004 because the area was unsafe to occupy.

Why no one could go near it:

• The site had radioactive contamination , so access was restricted for safety reasons.

• The risk was not just to people standing there briefly; contamination in soil and structures can expose people through dust, contact, or long-term radiation.

What happened

Arlington Street had been a small residential block developed for workers near nearby factories, but the old industrial legacy left behind contamination severe enough that the block had to be removed rather than simply repaired.

Why it mattered

In cases like this, authorities usually keep people away until cleanup or demolition is complete because the hazard can persist in the ground and buildings. Here, the demolition was part of dealing with the contamination, not just a routine teardown.

TL;DR

It was contaminated by radioactive material linked to an old factory , and people were kept away because the site was unsafe due to radiation risk.