Both military personnel and civilians alike were unknowingly exposed to high levels of carcinogens at Camp Lejeune during the 34 years of contaminated water exposure at the base. At the time, most were unaware of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while freely using the water. Over a million people were exposed during that time, becoming ill with a wide variety of serious illnesses.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and other health organizations have conducted studies to assess the health impacts of this contamination water exposure. Because the contamination continued for so long without notifying residents, individuals who spent more than 30 days at the base were exposed to high levels of contamination.
Many people, including children, became ill not long after they moved in or began working there and began experiencing illnesses immediately. Those who did not had no idea that they would later experience these diseases.
Immediate Effects
Documented illnesses from this contamination include:
1. Cancer: Several types of cancer have been linked to the contaminants found in Camp Lejeune’s water, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.
2. Birth Defects and Developmental Issues: Pregnant women exposed to contaminated water may have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and stillbirth, neural tube defects, and low birth weight.
3. Liver Damage: Long-term exposure to certain contaminants like TCE and PCE has been associated with liver damage and dysfunction.
4. Neurological Effects: Some studies have suggested a possible association between exposure to TCE and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
5. Immune System Disorders: Exposure to contaminants in the water may also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
These are the most common and most presumptive of the range of illnesses.
Longer Term Consequences
Those who did not get sick immediately developed illnesses long after they left or transferred away from Camp Lejeune. This makes filing and proving a claim with the VA or SSDI more difficult because of the elapsed time. Many people who developed cancers and other catastrophic diseases eventually became disabled and unable to work.
One of the most unusual occurrences from the exposure is male breast cancer. In the general population, roughly 1 in 830 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But men who spent time at Camp Lejeune are diagnosed much more often. This can include adult men who were either born or spent time there as children.
The ATSDR also conducted a study on breast cancer cases in men and found a correlation between exposure to PCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride at Camp Lejeune and male breast cancer, including acceleration of the cancer’s development.
The VA has additional information on Camp Lejeune exposure on its website.
Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today
For over 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims filed with them.
If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately.
We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.
