The Health Impacts of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination on Military Personnel and their Families

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential health risks posed by toxic chemicals to military personnel and their families. For an extended period, individuals who lived and worked at the Marine Corps base in North Carolina were unknowingly exposed to a dangerous combination of chemicals in the water they consumed.

According to the TorHoerman Law group, the contamination resulted from underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites, and other businesses, causing the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the water supply of the base housing and various other buildings. The exposure to these chemicals led to devastating health impacts on the people living and working at Camp Lejeune.

In this article, we will delve into the health effects and symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination and how it has affected the lives of those impacted. Despite the government and military efforts to provide support and compensation, more needs to be done to prevent similar tragedies and to ensure the health and well-being of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

What is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Camp Lejeune was home to a toxic cocktail of chemicals in the water supply that was known to cause a number of serious health problems. These chemicals included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), which are commonly used in dry cleaning and degreasing processes. Additionally, benzene, a carcinogenic chemical, was also found in the water supply.

Exposure to these chemicals can occur through drinking contaminated water, showering, or even breathing in contaminated vapors. Unfortunately, many military personnel and their families were exposed to these harmful chemicals for years without their knowledge.

Health Impacts on Military Personnel

The health impacts of the Camp Lejeune water contamination on military personnel have been devastating. Many people who lived and worked on the base have suffered from a range of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and immune system disorders.

Cancer

According to various studies, military personnel who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune base have a higher risk of developing different types of cancer. The increased risk of cancer includes breast cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and leukemia. 

The statistics indicate that Lejeune Marines had a 10 percent higher risk of dying from any type of cancer as compared to Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. Additionally, Lejeune Marines had a significantly higher risk of developing specific types of cancer.

For example, the risk of kidney cancer was 35 percent higher, liver cancer was 42 percent higher, Hodgkin lymphoma was 47 percent higher, and multiple myeloma was 68 percent higher among Lejeune Marines.

Birth Defects

Pregnant women who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune were at high risk of giving birth to children with birth defects. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that between 8,000 and 10,000 Camp Lejeune babies born with birth defects were diagnosed with oral clefts, cleft lip, and neural tube birth defects since water contamination was discovered in the Camp Lejeune water supply during the 1980s.

Neurological Disorders and Immune System Disorders

Exposure to the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to neurological disorders and immune system disorders. Studies have found that those who were exposed to the contaminated water have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. Additionally, exposure to these chemicals can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Health Impacts on Military Families

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as many as one million military and civilian staff and their families might have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. 

Military families who lived on the base with their loved ones were also at risk of exposure to the contaminated water. The effects of exposure to toxic chemicals have been observed in children born to parents who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Childhood Cancers

Studies have found that children who were born to mothers who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have a higher risk of developing childhood cancers, such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Developmental Disabilities

Children born to parents who were exposed to the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune have a higher risk of developing developmental disabilities, such as learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Emotional Toll on Military Families

The health impacts of the Camp Lejeune water contamination have also taken an emotional toll on military families. Many people who lived and worked on the base have lost loved ones to cancer or other illnesses linked to the toxic chemicals in the water supply. 

Additionally, those who are still living with the health effects of the contamination are dealing with a range of emotional and mental health issues.

In conclusion, the Camp Lejeune water contamination has caused serious health impacts on military personnel and their families, including cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and immune system disorders. 

While the government and military have taken steps to provide assistance and compensation, more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents and support those affected. Raising awareness and advocating for the health and well-being of military personnel and their families is crucial in achieving this goal.