The water contamination issue at Camp Lejeune is complex and controversial. The contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water supply with toxic levels of lead and other contaminants has been a source of great anxiety for the veterans of the Marine Corps and their families.
Thousands of Marines, civilian workers, and children have been diagnosed with various health problems believed to be linked to their exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Unfortunately, for many of these veterans and their families, the health problems they developed due to their exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have severely diminished their quality of life and caused them to suffer financial hardships.
Contaminants Found in Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune
Some of the toxic substances that have been found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): This chemical has been found in the water at Camp Lejeune at levels above acceptable safety standards. PCE is a hazardous solvent that can cause cancer and other health problems when consumed in large quantities. It has also been found to cause fertility problems in both men and women.
- Perchlorate: This chemical has been found in the water at Camp Lejeune at levels above the safety standards set by the government. Perchlorate can cause developmental delays in children if ingested by pregnant women. It also can cause miscarriages in women. Exposure to perchlorate can also cause elevated blood pressure and increased cholesterol in men.
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): TCE is present in water samples collected from Camp Lejeune at a concentration above the limit set by the EPA. Exposure to TCE over a long period can lead to an increased risk of cancer, liver problems, nervous system damage, and decreased sperm count in men. It may also cause congenital disabilities in children and reproductive problems in women.
- Benzene: This toxic substance has been found in the water at Camp Lejeune at levels well above the safety standards set by the EPA. Prolonged exposure to benzene can lead to an increased risk of cancer, nervous system damage, damage to the immune system, and low birth rates in men and women. In children, it may cause anemia and delayed development.
How Did The Contamination Happen?
Many different sources contributed to the spread of contaminants into the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The main cause is unknown, but a suspected nearby dry-cleaning facility may be to blame. Some researchers have also suggested that the contamination may have resulted from an aging underground pipe system at the camp or industrial waste dumped into unlined pits at the site. Whatever the cause of contamination, the people of Camp Lejeune have suffered the consequences.
Hiring Legal Help If You’ve Been Affected By Contaminants In The Water At Camp Lejeune
If you suffer from a health issue due to drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and file your claim in a timely manner. The ongoing camp Lejuene water contamination lawsuit has seen thousands of claims filed on behalf of the victims. More lawsuits are expected to continue for years to come as the victims of the contaminated drinking water continue to be exposed to the harmful effects of the toxic chemicals and the diseases associated with them.
A personal injury claim can help provide you with the financial support you need to cope. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation on your behalf so that you can focus on the recovery process. You may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney can also help you deal with the complex legal issues that arise during the settlement process.
If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, finding an attorney with experience with similar cases is crucial. It would be best if you looked for an attorney with a proven track record of success and a record of successful settlements.
Conclusion
The events at Camp Lejeune shed light on the harmful side effects of long-term exposure to contaminated drinking water. These effects have affected current and former military members and their families. In some cases, the effects of exposure have been deadly. As a result, the military has implemented strict guidelines to prevent the contamination of drinking water at military bases around the world.
