Who Is at Risk for Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Symptoms?
Those who lived or worked at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may be at risk for health problems stemming from Camp Lejeune water contamination, like cancer, heart disease, and more. These conditions can lead to many painful symptoms and even death.
It is important to realize that some conditions may be symptomless, making it difficult to know whether you have been harmed. Other chronic conditions cause lifelong issues, leaving victims unaware of the connection between their health problems and the toxic chemicals.
If you have questions about Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms, our claims advocates can help. Connect with us now at (866) 473-4764.
What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Camp Lejeune water contamination was caused by toxic chemicals that seeped into the ground and made their way into some of the base’s water treatment plants. The groundwater near Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point is the source of contamination.
In the late 1980s, Camp Lejeune’s water was found to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At the time of discovery, scientists determined that the contamination had begun decades prior.
What Chemicals Were in Camp Lejeune Water?
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been analyzing the Camp Lejeune disaster for decades. Through extensive modeling, the organization was not only able to uncover how the water was being contaminated but also which chemicals were present in the water supply.
ATSDR determined that the Camp Lejeune water contained:
- Benzene
- Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene — also known as perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Other contaminants
When Was Camp Lejeune Water Contaminated?
The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated from the 1950s through the 1980s. Anyone who lived or worked on the base during this time frame may have been exposed.
Since families lived on the base, including pregnant women, anyone born until the mid-1980s could be at risk for developing Camp Lejeune contaminated water symptoms.
What Are the Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
There are many Camp Lejeune water contamination health conditions. This is because victims range in age, gender, duration of exposure, and many other factors.
As a result, Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms depend on the illness someone develops.
Camp Lejeune water contamination illnesses include:
- Aplastic anemia (when the body stops making enough new blood cells)
- Birth defects
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver)
- Various types of cancer (bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and more)
- Heart disease
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (disruption of blood cell production)
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity (kidney damage)
- Scleroderma (hardening of the skin and connective tissues)
Additionally, pregnant women who lived on the base or visited frequently were at greater risk for miscarriage or stillbirth. Others had problems with female infertility.
What Are Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Symptoms?
Symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination depend on which condition the victim has. Many illnesses are linked to the toxic water, and each has its own unique symptoms. Learn about the symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination by type of disease below.
Call our claims advocates at (866) 473-4764 if you have questions on possible Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Cancer
Multiple types of cancer have been linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Some of these cancers are listed below, along with their common symptoms.
- Bladder Cancer – Back pain, blood in urine, and frequent or painful urination
- Kidney Cancer – Blood in the urine, fever, loss of appetite, and pain in the back or side
- Liver Cancer – Abdominal swelling, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, upper abdominal pain, and white, chalky stools
- Multiple Myeloma – Bone pain, especially in the chest or spine, confusion or mental fogginess, constipation, excessive thirst, fatigue, infections, nausea, and weakness or numbness in the legs
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, and unexplained weight loss
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Birth Defects
There is a link between Camp Lejeune water contamination and various birth defects. Learn which symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination are linked to birth defects.
Known Camp Lejeune water contamination birth defects include:
- Fetal death
- Heart problems
- Immune system disorders
- Low birth weight
- Major congenital malformations
- Neural tube birth defects (spina bifida and anencephaly)
- Oral cleft defects (including cleft lip)
Many pregnant women living at Camp Lejeune could not get pregnant, a symptom of infertility. They have also suffered from miscarriage or stillbirth.
People born at Camp Lejeune may not even know their illnesses were caused by toxic water. These victims may have faced a lifetime of chronic conditions and suffering. Find out what legal options you may have without delay.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and Heart Disease
Many veterans and their families reported heart disease after living or working at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Heart disease covers a range of conditions that affect the heart, and the symptoms depend on your type.
Some symptoms that could be a sign of possible heart disease include:
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- Breathlessness
- Chest fluttering
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your arms or legs
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen extremities
- Tachycardia (racing heartbeat)
Always call 911 if you think you might be having a heart attack or another severe cardiac event.
If you have questions on Camp Lejeune toxic water symptoms, connect with Camp Lejeune Claims Center now.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Neurological Effects
Camp Lejeune contaminated water neurological effects have been reported for decades. The neurological symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination depend on which condition is present.
To follow are some symptoms that could be signs of neurological conditions:
- Concentration problems
- Confusion
- Coordination problems
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Learning and behavioral disorders
- Motor function difficulties
- Sensory disturbances
If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor and be sure to mention your toxic water exposure history. You may be at risk of developing serious neurological disorders, and these may be the warning signs.
Parkinson’s Disease
Camp Lejeune water is also linked with Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually different for everyone affected.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include:
- Contracted muscles that cause stiffness
- Difficulty writing
- Impaired posture, balance, and coordination
- Involuntary blinking and smiling
- Rigid muscles
- Slowed movement
- Speech changes
- Stooped posture
- Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
Knowing the signs of common Camp Lejeune illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, heart disease, and neurological disorders can help you quickly recognize abnormalities and get tested.
Getting an early diagnosis can significantly improve your overall prognosis with many illnesses.
Can I File a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit Based on My Symptoms?
You may have a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit if you were exposed to the toxic water between 1953 and 1987 and suffer from Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms. You may also be eligible to file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one that died as a result of exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, eligibility is not affected even if you are already receiving VA disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the case no matter how far back the exposure was.
Connect with top toxic exposure lawyers to find out if you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water symptoms lawsuit. Your free case evaluation is just a few clicks away.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Camp Lejeune Claim For My Symptoms?
If you have symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination, do not wait. Talking with a skilled attorney and filing your Camp Lejeune claim without delay is critical.
This is because statutes of limitations place deadlines around how much time you have to take legal action. These laws vary by state, and you can’t file a claim if the time frame in the statute passes.
Remember, it doesn’t matter how far back exposure was. Eligible victims can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. Family members of victims who have died may also qualify.
Connect With a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Law Firm
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center works with the top lawyers in the county. Contact us now to connect with a skilled law firm that may be able to get you the compensation you’ve been waiting to receive for decades.
The Camp Lejeune water law firms we work with are skilled personal injury law firms with national reach. We can help victims in all 50 states, and there is no out-of-pocket cost or obligation.
Contact us today to get your free consultation. Our trained claims advocates stand by day and night to take your call.