What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
From the early 1950s to the late 1980s, many of the people living or working at Camp Lejeune were exposed to drinking water that was severely contaminated with toxic chemicals such as benzene, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals had been improperly stored and disposed of on and around the base. The Navy became aware that there was something wrong with the drinking water in the early 80s. However, the most contaminated wells remained in operation until 1985.
Who Can File a Lawsuit?
The legislation that would allow affected individuals to file a claim was signed into law August 20, 2022. You may be able to file a claim if you or a loved one:
- Was exposed to contaminated drinking water for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and
- Received a diagnosis for a cancer or other illness that is related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
What Cancers are Associated with the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The chemicals that contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked with numerous cancers including:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Aplastic Anemia
- Brain Cancer
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Intestinal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Other Leukemias
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Spinal Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
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What Other Types of Illnesses are Associated with the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The chemicals that contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked with numerous other illnesses including:
- Birth Defects & Birth Injuries
- Female Infertility
- Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Low Birth Weight
- Major Malformations
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Renal Toxicity
- Scleroderma (systemic Sclerosis)
- Toxic Encephalopathy
The Toxins in Camp Lejeune Water
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbon that is present in almost all petroleum products. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a group 1 carcinogen. It is most strongly associated with cancers of the blood and bone marrow.
What is Tetrachloroethylene?
Tetrachloroethylene (AKA perchloroethylene or PCE) is a carcinogenic chlorocarbon. It was commonly used as an industrial degreaser and in the dry-cleaning of fabrics. The IARC has classified PCE as a Group 2A carcinogen. It is most strongly associated with urinary bladder cancer. PCE also has strong ties with neurodegenerative illnesses such as toxic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease.
What is Trichloroethylene?
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogenic chlorocarbon that was widely used as an industrial degreaser. The IARC classifies TCE as a group 1 carcinogen. It is most strongly associated with Kidney cancer, however, it is also linked with cancer of the liver and bile duct as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TCE has also been strongly associated with neurodegenerative illnesses such as toxic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease.
What is Vinyl Chloride?
Vinyl chloride (VC) is a carcinogenic organochloride. Vinyl chloride’s primary use is in the production of PVC pipe. TCE and PCE in groundwater degrade into VC over time. The IARC classifies VC as a group 1 carcinogen. It is most strongly associated with liver cancer.
We May Be Able To Help
If you or a loved one was exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune and have received a related diagnosis, the attorneys at Hughes Law Office may be able to help. These are complicated cases that will require experienced toxic tort attorneys. Focus on your recovery and let us do the work needed to prove your case. Call 1-800-BENZENE today and speak directly with an attorney at no cost to you.
