Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Issues
Our team is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal advice. We understand the significant impact of the Camp Lejeune water contamination on the lives of many individuals and families.
Similarly, in the 3M earplug lawsuit, we saw a large group of affected individuals seeking justice for the harm caused by defective products, reflecting a parallel in seeking accountability and compensation in mass tort cases.
This guide aims to offer a detailed overview of the health conditions and symptoms linked to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune based on findings and reports. Our goal is to inform and assist you or a family member who may have been affected in seeking justice and compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
What Cancers Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The legacy of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, a critical Marine Corps base, is marked by a disturbing correlation with various types of cancers caused by toxic substances. These conditions range from blood and organ-specific cancers to more widespread forms, all potentially linked to the Marine Corps base’s long history of contaminated drinking water.
Adult Leukemia
This cancer, commonly found among Marine Corps veterans exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and weight loss.
While leukemia can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation, it’s not always curable, and the success of treatment varies.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer, another serious consequence for Marine Corps personnel exposed to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water, originates in the bladder and often presents with blood in the urine, a frequent urge to urinate, and pain during urination. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Bladder cancer might recur, so patients, especially those from the Marine Corps background, often require follow-up for years after treatment.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, a concern for many who lived or worked at the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, affects the cells of the breast. It is marked by symptoms like a lump in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, and skin dimpling. Breast cancer treatment, crucial for those affected by the Camp Lejeune contaminated water, typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.
Early detection significantly improves the prognosis, especially in the Marine Corps community impacted by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Birth Defects and Reproductive Health Issues
Exposure to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, has raised significant concerns regarding reproductive health, including an increased incidence of miscarriages and a spectrum of birth defects. The drinking water at this Marine Corps base contained harmful chemicals, leading to various health risks for those exposed.
Miscarriages and Fetal Death
Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, which is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Symptoms of a miscarriage, potentially due to the contaminated drinking water, can include vaginal spotting or bleeding, pain or cramping in the abdomen, and fluid or tissue passing from the vagina.
Major Birth Defects
The drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune encompasses a wide range of adverse health effects present at birth. These defects, linked to the drinking water in the area, can range from mild to severe, with some requiring extensive medical treatment. The nature and severity of these defects, often a subject of Camp Lejeune claims, vary greatly.
Get a Free Legal Case Review Now!What About Neurological Disorders?
The drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune is also linked to several debilitating neurological disorders. These conditions, which impact the central and peripheral nervous systems, present unique challenges to those affected by the contaminated water supply.
Parkinson’s Disease
This progressive nervous system disorder, associated with drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune, affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and slowing of movement. While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications can significantly improve symptoms for those exposed to water.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS, another condition linked to the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. ALS is a progressive disease that eventually leads to disability and death. There is no cure, but treatments can slow the progression of symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by the contaminated drinking water.
Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
M.S., a condition linked to the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms like numbness, weakness, balance issues, and difficulty walking. While MS is incurable, treatments for those exposed to the contaminated water can help manage symptoms and modify the disease course.
Are There Other Health Conditions Linked to the Water Contamination?
Beyond the specific categories of cancer, reproductive health, and neurological disorders, the Camp Lejeune incident is associated with a diverse range of other health conditions.
End-Stage Renal Disease
This is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys no longer function adequately. Symptoms include swelling, fatigue, nausea, and changes in urination. While there is no cure, treatment options like dialysis or kidney transplant can manage the condition.
Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
This occurs when fat builds up in the liver. It might not cause symptoms initially, but it can progress to liver damage. Lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, are the primary treatments.
Neurobehavioral Effects
Exposure can lead to various neurobehavioral issues, such as memory loss, mood swings, and cognitive decline. Treatment involves managing symptoms and may include medications and therapy.
Scleroderma
This group of autoimmune diseases causes the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten. Symptoms vary widely, including skin tightening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and acid reflux. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
What Caused the Water Contamination Issue at Camp Lejeune?
The water contamination issue at Camp Lejeune, a United States Marine Corps base in North Carolina, was primarily caused by hazardous chemicals leaking into the groundwater from several sources over several decades. The contamination lasted from the 1950s to the 1980s and involved two main water treatment facilities on the base: the Tarawa Terrace and the Hadnot Point water treatment plants.
Tarawa Terrace Plant
The contamination here was mainly due to an off-base dry cleaning firm, ABC One-Hour Cleaners, which improperly disposed of chemicals, leading to the seepage of perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry-cleaning solvent, into the groundwater. The contamination primarily affected the family housing areas of the base.
Hadnot Point Plant
This facility provided water to the main administrative area of the base and the base hospital. The contamination here was more complex, involving various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals were primarily introduced into the water supply through leaking underground storage tanks, industrial area spills, and waste disposal sites within the base.
The scale of the contamination and the length of time over which it occurred made this one of the worst cases of drinking water contamination in U.S. history. The chemicals involved are known to be carcinogenic and have been linked to a variety of health issues, including cancers, birth defects, and other chronic diseases. The full extent of the contamination and its health impacts have been the subject of extensive studies and legal actions in the subsequent years.
What You Can Do If You Are Experiencing Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Symptoms
If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with health conditions that may be linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Your health and well-being should be your top priority, and seeking medical attention is the first step. Documenting your medical history, symptoms, and diagnoses is also important, as this information can be vital in legal claims.
In addition to medical attention, legal recourse is critical for those impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. This is where Justice Hero comes in. Our team specializes in providing comprehensive legal advice and assistance to those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis.
At Justice Hero, we understand the depth of suffering and uncertainty that comes with health issues linked to environmental hazards. Our dedicated team is committed to helping Camp Lejeune water contamination victims navigate the complex legal landscape to seek justice and compensation.
Let us help you or a family member take the first step toward healing and justice. Call us or visit our website to learn more and schedule your free case evaluation.
On This Page
What Cancers Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Birth Defects and Reproductive Health Issues
What About Neurological Disorders
Other Health Conditions Linked to the Water Contamination
Case Status:
Early stages (More Than 800 Civil Lawsuits Pending)
Defendants:
U.S. Government
Injuries:
Cancer, infertility, and renal toxicity