Camp Lejeune: What Health Issues are Linked to the Contaminated Water?

Camp Lejeune: What Health Issues are Linked to the Contaminated Water?

Between 1953 and 1987, the water supply at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with dangerous chemicals, including industrial solvents and benzene. This contamination has had devastating consequences, with studies revealing links to a range of serious health issues. Shockingly, the levels of some contaminants were found to be as high as 3,400 times the current safe levels. If you or a loved one resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during this period and have experienced health problems, understanding the connection to the contaminated water is crucial.

The Toxic Truth: Unveiling the Contaminants

The primary culprits behind the Camp Lejeune water contamination were volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The most significant of these were:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE): A degreasing solvent.
  • Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Used in dry cleaning.
  • Benzene: A component of gasoline.
  • Vinyl Chloride: Used in the production of PVC pipes.

These chemicals seeped into the groundwater from various sources, including leaking underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. For years, the base’s residents unknowingly consumed, bathed in, and otherwise used this contaminated water, leading to a multitude of health problems.

A Spectrum of Illnesses: Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Water

Extensive research and numerous studies have established connections between the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and a wide array of health conditions. Some of the most prominent include:

Cancers:

  • Bladder Cancer: Studies indicate that individuals exposed to the contaminated water were twice as likely to develop bladder cancer.
  • Kidney Cancer: Research has shown a significantly higher risk of kidney cancer among those stationed at Camp Lejeune.
  • Leukemia: Exposure to benzene, a known carcinogen found in the water, has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
  • Liver Cancer: Studies have found a higher risk of liver cancer among Camp Lejeune residents.
  • Esophageal Cancer: This cancer of the esophagus has also been linked to the contamination.
  • Lung Cancer: Recent research has added lung cancer to the list of potential health consequences.
  • Breast Cancer: Both men and women who lived at Camp Lejeune have been diagnosed with breast cancer at elevated rates.
  • Multiple Myeloma: This cancer of plasma cells has a strong association with the contaminated water.
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Another form of cancer linked to the toxic exposure.
  • Cervical Cancer: Studies have also linked cervical cancer to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Other Serious Health Conditions:

  • Parkinson’s Disease: A 2023 study revealed a 70% higher rate of Parkinson’s disease among veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune.
  • Aplastic Anemia and Other Myelodysplastic Syndromes: These blood disorders have been associated with the contamination.
  • Renal Toxicity: Kidney damage and dysfunction are recognized health effects.
  • Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease): Exposure to TCE and PCE has been linked to this liver condition.
  • Female Infertility: The VA recognizes female infertility as a presumptive condition related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
  • Miscarriage: Reports suggest higher rates of miscarriage among those stationed at Camp Lejeune.
  • Scleroderma: This chronic autoimmune disease has also been linked to the contaminated water.
  • Neurobehavioral Effects: Symptoms include mental confusion, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Cardiac Defects: Studies have linked TCE-contaminated drinking water to major heart defects.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Birth Defects:

  • Miscarriage and Stillbirth: Pregnant women exposed to the contaminated water had an increased risk of these outcomes.
  • Neural Tube Defects: Babies born with defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
  • Congenital Heart Defects: Heart malformations present at birth.
  • Low Birth Weight: Babies born weighing less than average.

Recognizing the Symptoms: What to Look For

The symptoms of health issues related to Camp Lejeune water contamination can vary widely depending on the specific condition and individual factors. However, some common symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Frequent headaches
  • Dizziness and cognitive difficulties
  • Gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
  • Skin rashes and irritation
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Neurological issues (memory loss, confusion, depression)
  • Changes in behavior or mood

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health problems. If you experience these symptoms and have a history of living or working at Camp Lejeune, seeking medical evaluation is crucial.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: A Path to Compensation

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, provides a pathway for individuals harmed by the contaminated water to seek compensation. This landmark legislation allows those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with a related health condition to file a claim against the U.S. government.

Who is Eligible?

  • Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune
  • Family members who resided at the base
  • Civilian employees who worked at Camp Lejeune
  • Individuals in utero during the contamination period whose mothers lived or worked at the base

What Compensation is Available?

Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other damages

Taking Action: Protecting Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, it’s essential to take action to protect your rights. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Get a thorough medical evaluation and document your health conditions.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect records of your time at Camp Lejeune (military records, housing documents, employment records) and medical records related to your health issues.
  3. Consult with a Legal Professional: An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the claims process.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragic chapter in American history, but the Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers a chance for victims to receive the compensation they deserve. If you believe you have been affected, don’t hesitate to seek help and pursue your legal rights.