Camp Lejeune Water Contamination:

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident refers to the contamination of drinking water at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The contamination occurred over several decades, primarily from the 1950s through the 1980s, and resulted in exposure of military personnel, their families, and civilian employees to various toxic substances. The primary contaminants found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals are known to be hazardous to human health and have been linked to various adverse health effects. 

The contamination affected multiple drinking water wells across the base, exposing thousands of individuals to the toxic substances. The contamination was attributed to various sources, including leaking underground storage tanks and industrial activities on the base. Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been associated with an increased risk of various health conditions among individuals who were exposed to the contaminated drinking water. While the full extent of the health effects is still being studied, research and epidemiological studies have identified several illnesses and conditions linked to the exposure. Here are some of the diseases and disabilities associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination:

Cancers: Various types of cancer have been linked to exposure to the contaminants found in the Camp Lejeune water, including:

  • Leukemia (particularly acute myeloid leukemia)

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

  • Bladder cancer

  • Kidney cancer

  • Liver cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified some of the contaminants found in the water, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), as carcinogenic to humans.

Reproductive Disorders: Exposure to the contaminants at Camp Lejeune has been associated with various reproductive disorders, including:

  • Miscarriages

  • Birth defects

  • Infertility

  • Studies have shown an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women exposed to the contaminated water.

Neurological Disorders: Research suggests a potential link between exposure to the contaminants and neurological disorders, including:

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Cognitive impairment

  • Developmental delays in children

  • Neurobehavioral disorders

Immune System Disorders: Exposure to certain contaminants may also affect the immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases and other immune-related disorders.

Hepatic Disorders: Liver disorders, including liver damage and dysfunction, have been reported among individuals exposed to the contaminated water.

Renal Disorders: Kidney disorders and renal dysfunction have been observed in some individuals with a history of exposure to the contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

Other Health Effects: Other adverse health effects associated with the contamination include respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.

It's important to note that the full scope of health effects resulting from the Camp Lejeune water contamination may not yet be fully understood, and research into the long-term health outcomes continues. Veterans, military personnel, and their family members who were exposed to the contaminated water and are experiencing health issues are encouraged to seek medical attention and explore eligibility for healthcare benefits and compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other relevant programs.

In response to growing concerns about the health effects of the water contamination, the U.S. government initiated investigations and studies to assess the extent of the contamination and its impact on exposed individuals. The VA established the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program to provide healthcare benefits to eligible family members of veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. In 2012, the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was signed into law, providing healthcare coverage through the VA for certain illnesses associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, the law established a compensation program for eligible individuals affected by the contamination.

Cleanup and remediation efforts have been ongoing at Camp Lejeune to address the contamination and mitigate further exposure risks. These efforts include monitoring of drinking water quality, installation of treatment systems, and environmental restoration activities. The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident remains a significant public health and environmental issue, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to protect water quality and ensure the health and safety of military personnel and their families stationed on military bases.