In 1982, it was found that the drinking water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, contained hazardous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, three water treatment plants supplying water to the base were contaminated with toxic chemicals.
However, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that water contamination at Camp Lejeune began in 1953. The contaminated water exposed Camp Lejeune base workers, service members, and their families to toxic substances until the late 1980s. Most contaminated wells were closed in 1985.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act
On August 2, 2022, the Senate passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. It will be presented to President Biden to sign into legislation. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a component of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The Honoring Our PACT Act addresses health issues that affect veterans exposed to toxic materials during service.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows base workers, service members, and their families who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 to seek compensation for adverse health consequences.
Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. are proud to have veterans on our team. Our law firm has 40 years of experience fighting for U.S. veterans and others who suffer due to the negligence of others. It is our honor to help veterans affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune gain access to the benefits and compensation they deserve. Call today for your free consultation.
What Contaminants Were in the Camp Lejeune Water Supply?
Chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water include:
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Benzene
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Tetrachloroethylene (also known as PERC perchloroethylene or PCE)
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Trichloroethylene (TCE)
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Vinyl chloride (VC)
The polluted water at Camp Lejeune is linked to a long list of medical problems and illnesses, some of which are potentially deadly.
Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water
Did the Camp Lejeune Water Cause Cancer?
Below is an updated list from October 26, 2022, of types of cancer that may have been caused by drinking and bathing in the contaminated Camp Lejeune water:
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Acute myeloid leukemia
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Bladder cancer
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Brain cancer
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Breast cancer
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Central Nervous System cancer (CNS)
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Cervical cancer
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Esophageal cancer
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Hodgkins lymphoma
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Kidney cancer
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Leukemia
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Liver cancer
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Lung cancer
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Myelodysplastic syndrome
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Multiple myeloma
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
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Ovarian cancer
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Prostate cancer
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Rectal cancer
Several scientific studies concluded that those exposed to Camp Lejeune contaminated water have a significantly increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Other Health Conditions Caused by Camp Lejeune Water
In addition to cancer, the toxic water contaminants are associated with several other serious conditions diagnosed in people who were present in and around Camp Lejeune.
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Cardiac Defect
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Epilepsy
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Fatty Liver disease (Hepatic Steatosis)
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Female Infertility
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Kidney damage and/or kidney failure
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Immune disorders (Lupus, etc)
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Nerve damage
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Miscarriages
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Neurobehavioral effects (ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease)
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Renal Toxicity disease
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Scleroderma
Many neurobehavioral consequences are linked to the volatile organic compounds present in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. Symptoms of tiredness, coordination problems, headaches, difficulties concentrating, sadness, and both fine and general motor function are all neurobehavioral effects.
Get Help With Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Almost a million veterans, their families, and civilian employees were exposed to potentially harmful chemicals in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987. Exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of certain cancers and other health-related problems. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals to seek justice.
If you or a family member were exposed to contaminated Camp Lejeune drinking water and now have health issues, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates today. You may be able to receive compensation that can help pay for medical treatment and more.
Camp Lejeune victims shouldn’t suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Call 601-988-9888 or fill out our contact form today to begin the process of getting justice.
Put Our 40 years of Experience to Work for You
Richard Schwartz & Associates has the resources to fight for injured clients and achieve justice on their behalf. As a result, we’ve recovered over one billion dollars for thousands of families.
We realize how tough it is for you and your family. Even in the best-case scenario, filing a lawsuit may be overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced legal team on your side, you can feel secure knowing that the legal work is in the hands of professionals. Whether you need help with a toxic tort claim or another personal injury claim, we are here to support you.Contact Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. to discuss your case today.
