Thousands of military personnel and their families stationed at a North Carolina base were unwittingly exposed to toxic chemicals for several decades.
The contamination of the base’s drinking water with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the notorious carcinogen benzene, led to widespread health problems for those who lived and worked there.
Despite initial denials by the military, the extent of the damage caused by this contamination has become clear, with many veterans and their families suffering from cancers, birth defects, and other serious illnesses.
This article will explore the catastrophic impact of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination on veterans and their families.
Background
Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina associated with water contamination since the 1950s. For over 30 years, from the 1950s to the mid-1980s, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals.
Studies are still going on to determine the full extent of the impact of the contamination. Experts believe that hundreds of thousands of individuals may have come into contact with a variety of chemicals, such as benzene, vinyl chloride, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene.
Numerous studies have been conducted by government and non-government agencies to understand the major effect of these chemicals. These chemicals have been linked to various serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic ailments.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that vinyl chloride, benzene, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene have been associated with male breast cancer.
71 cases of males with breast cancer were found in the study, while there were 373 cases of other types of cancers.
Health Effects
The health effects of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination have been devastating for many veterans and their families. The toxic chemicals in the water have been linked to various serious health conditions, including various types of cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and autoimmune diseases.
Although there were numerous cases where the veterans suffered from different types of Cancers, the National Library of Medicine recently presented the three most recent cases of cancer in people who stayed in Camp Lejeune Base Camp.
The first patient, aged 37, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The 2nd patient was in his 70s but was suffering from multiple types of cancer in his lung, prostate, and colon since his 60s. He also had chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The third case was of a man who was also in his 70s and had recurring skin cancers of various histology, namely squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and melanoma. He has been suffering from cancer since his 50s.
The long-term health effects of the contamination are still being studied. Still, the veterans and families affected continue to suffer as a result of the exposure.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Several lawsuits have been filed against the U.S. government and companies responsible for the contamination, including a class-action lawsuit. This lawsuit resulted in a $2 billion settlement with the manufacturer of TCE, one of the toxic chemicals in the water.
Healthcare benefits were granted to veterans and their families exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune following the passing of legislation in 2012 by President Obama. The law also allowed veterans to file claims for compensation related to their exposure.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts varied based on the extent of the victim’s exposure and the severity of their health problems. Nevertheless, the settlement was hailed as a significant victory for the victims and their families, who had been fighting for justice for decades.
Many agencies, law firms, and individual lawyers, including TorHoerman Law, LLC, have supported and guided the victims in fighting for their rights and compensation.
At TorHoerman Law, you can also receive a complimentary legal consultation to discuss your case. Additionally, their website offers a chatbot feature that provides a free evaluation to determine your eligibility to pursue legal action.
The legal team at TorHoerman Law is actively researching and analyzing the case details to formulate an effective legal strategy against the defendants. With a track record of securing over $4 billion in compensation for clients who have suffered injuries through no fault, their previous accomplishments demonstrate their capabilities and dedication.
Government Response
The U.S. government’s response to the Camp Lejeune water contamination has been criticized as slow and inadequate. The contamination was first discovered in the 1980s, but it took several decades for the government to fully acknowledge the problem’s extent and compensate those affected.
The Camp Lejeune Veterans and Families Act was signed into law, providing healthcare benefits to those exposed to contaminated water. However, some have argued that the government’s response has not gone far enough and that more needs to be done to support the veterans and families impacted by the contamination.
Compensation and Support
The U.S. government and other authorities have provided some compensation and support to the victims of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination. The law, signed in 2012, allowed veterans to file claims for compensation related to their exposure.
According to the Camp Lejeune Claims Center, it usually takes 1-2 years to settle the compensation amount for the victims. So, if you or anyone in your acquaintance is about to file a lawsuit, this is the right time. Those who have already filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government earlier are likely to receive their compensation by the end of 2023.
Additionally, the government has set up a registry to track and monitor the health of those exposed to contamination. Some private companies that were involved in the pollution have also provided compensation to victims. However, some have argued that more support and compensation are needed to fully address the long-term impacts of the contamination.
Impact on Families
The Camp Lejeune water contamination has had a significant impact on the families of veterans who were stationed at the base. Spouses and children exposed to contaminated water have also suffered from various health problems, including cancers, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
The emotional toll of the contamination has also been devastating for many families who have lost loved ones or struggled to cope with the long-term health effects of the exposure.
Children born to mothers exposed to contaminated water have also faced challenges, including developmental delays and learning disabilities. The impact of the Camp Lejeune case on families has been profound and continues to be felt to this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragic example of the devastating impact of environmental pollution on public health. The toxic chemicals in the water have caused serious health problems for veterans, their families, and civilian employees stationed at the base.
The government’s response to the contamination has been criticized for its slow and inadequate actions to address the issue, but some compensation and support have been provided to those affected.
However, many argue that more needs to be done to fully address the long-term impacts of the contamination on the health and well-being of those exposed. The Camp Lejeune case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
