The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident is one of the most significant environmental disasters in the history of the United States. Located in North Carolina, Camp Lejeune is a major Marine Corps base that has been in operation since 1942. Between 1953 and 1987, the base's water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and benzene. These chemicals are known to cause a range of serious health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects.
History of the Contamination
The contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by a combination of factors, including the disposal of hazardous waste and the use of contaminated water sources. The base’s water supply came from several wells, including the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point wells. These wells were contaminated with TCE and PCE, which were used as solvents and cleaning agents on the base. Benzene, a known carcinogen, was also present in the water supply due to the disposal of fuel and other hazardous materials.
The contamination was first discovered in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) confirmed that the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals. The ATSDR estimated that up to 1 million people may have been exposed to the contaminated water, including Marines, sailors, and their families.
Health Effects of the Contamination
The health effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination are severe and widespread. Exposure to TCE, PCE, and benzene has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including:
- Cancer: Exposure to TCE and PCE has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
- Neurological disorders: Exposure to TCE and PCE has been linked to neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Birth defects: Exposure to TCE and PCE has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, including heart defects and neural tube defects.
The Veterans Administration (VA) has recognized several diseases as being associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. Veterans and their families who were exposed to the contaminated water may be eligible for VA benefits, including disability compensation and healthcare.
| Disease | Associated Chemical |
|---|---|
| Kidney cancer | TCE and PCE |
| Liver cancer | TCE and PCE |
| Leukemia | Benzene |
Compensation for Camp Lejeune Victims
Veterans and their families who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible for compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This act provides a framework for victims to seek compensation for their injuries and illnesses. To be eligible for compensation, victims must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being a veteran or family member who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
- Having been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days
- HAVING a diagnosed illness or injury that is associated with the contaminated water
Victims who meet these criteria may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Disability compensation: Veterans who are diagnosed with an illness or injury associated with the contaminated water may be eligible for disability compensation through the VA.
- Healthcare benefits: Veterans and their families who were exposed to the contaminated water may be eligible for healthcare benefits through the VA.
- Financial compensation: Victims may be eligible for financial compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides a framework for seeking compensation for injuries and illnesses.
Who is eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
+Veterans and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days may be eligible for compensation. Additionally, victims must have a diagnosed illness or injury that is associated with the contaminated water.
What diseases are associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination?
+The VA has recognized several diseases as being associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. Other diseases, such as neurological disorders and birth defects, may also be associated with the contaminated water.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and ensuring that our military personnel and their families have access to safe and clean drinking water. Victims who were exposed to the contaminated water may be eligible for compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides a framework for seeking compensation for injuries and illnesses.
It is essential for victims to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve. The VA and other government agencies have established programs to provide assistance to victims, including healthcare benefits and disability compensation. However, navigating these programs can be complex, and victims may need to seek legal advice to ensure that they receive the benefits they are eligible for.
