Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Problems
In the early 1980s, two of Camp Lejeune’s eight water treatment plants were contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since the late 1980s, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been evaluating the health risks of Camp Lejeune’s water.
Anyone who worked or lived at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 could have been exposed to toxic substances that cause health issues. As many as 1 million military service members, civilians, and their families could be at risk for specific health issues.
Camp Lejeune Health Issues
There are several health issues directly connected to Camp Lejeune water contamination, including:
Camp Lejeune Cancers
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Camp Lejeune Birth Issues
- Fetal death
- Low birth weight
- Major congenital malformations
- Miscarriage
- Neural tube defects
- Oral cleft defects (including cleft lip)
Common Camp Lejeune Water Cancer
According to reports released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living and working at Camp Lejeune while the water was contaminated were more likely to die from certain cancers. The cancers caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination include:
Adult Leukemia – Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system that generally involve white blood cells.
Bladder Cancer – Bladder cancer usually begins in the cells that line the bladder, kidneys, and ureters.
Kidney Cancer – Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer. This cancer is often discovered in the early stages when it is still small.
Liver Cancer – Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver, which are located in the upper right portion of the abdomen. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma.
Multiple Myeloma – Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Cancerous plasma cells gather in the bone marrow and force healthy blood cells out.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue, which are part of the body’s immune system. With this form of cancer, white blood cells called lymphocytes can grow and form tumors throughout the body.
Camp Lejeune Water and Pregnant Women
When developing babies are exposed to TCE during the first three months of pregnancy, they are at an increased risk of heart problems and immune system disorders.
The following conditions are also linked to exposure to Camp Lejeune water during pregnancy:
- Fetal death
- Low birth weight
- Major congenital malformations
- Miscarriage
- Neural tube defects
- Oral cleft defects (including cleft lip)
Sadly, pregnant women who drank or used water at Camp Lejeune, especially between 1972 and 1985, were likely exposed to TCE.
Infants and young children who used water from Camp Lejeune between 1956 and 1984 may also be at increased risk for cancer.
“One section of the Jacksonville City Cemetery, near Camp Lejeune Marine Base, is a sad reminder of the cost of toxic exposure. It’s reserved solely for babies who died after they and their parents were exposed to toxic drinking water on the base for decades.”
– NBC News
What Other Presumptive Illnesses Did Camp Lejeune Water Cause?
Children and adults exposed to TCE at Camp Lejeune from 1972 to 1985 could also be at risk for immune system disorders and other health conditions.
Aplastic Anemia and Other Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are serious disorders that stop bone marrow from producing the healthy blood cells the body needs.
Symptoms of aplastic anemia and MDS may include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, tiredness, or weakness
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other abnormal bleeding
- Repeated infections
- Shortness of breath while active
- Unexplained bruising
- Very pale skin
There may be no symptoms of aplastic anemia or MDS in the early stages. However, as the disorders advance, symptoms may vary based on which type of blood cells are affected.
Parkinson’s Disease and Neurological Effects
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable movements. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually begin gradually and worsen over time, causing difficulty walking and talking. Parkinson’s may also cause behavioral changes, memory problems, and depression.
Four main warning signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Contracted muscles causing stiffness
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Slowness of movement
- Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
Parkinson’s disease is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins found at Camp Lejeune.
Get Help for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may have been exposed to harmful chemicals. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 may qualify you to receive legal compensation. Even if the initial exposure or the death of a loved one happened long ago, it is not too late for you to seek justice.
Begin your legal claim with the Camp Lejeune Claims Center today. We can connect you with qualified law firms following the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue for decades.
The Camp Lejeune lawyers in our network will not charge you upfront or out-of-pocket fees.
