More than 1 million military faculty and their relatives were positioned at the Camp Lejeune - US Marine Corps Headquarters Lejeune in North Carolina somewhere in the range of 1953 and 1987. During this time, individuals living on the base, military help individuals, and regular folks, ingested sullied drinking water and washed in water that had been debased with synthetics from the base water treatment offices and a misguided cleaning organization in the neighborhood.
When did contamination started at Camp Lejeune?
In 1982, The U.S. Marine Corps discovered harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the drinking water of Base Camp Lejeune. U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
But, to everyone’s surprise, the contamination began in 1953. It continued to cause exposure to personnel from the base, members of the service, and their families up to 1987, as per the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The most affected wells were taken off service in February 1985.
How did contaminated water reach our marines corps and their family?
There were two water treatment plants from where this toxic water reached the camp
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- First is Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant
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- and Second is Hadnot Point Treatment Plant
Water from the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant was primarily contaminated by PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene). The cause of the contamination was the waste disposal procedures employed by ABC One-Hour Cleaners. It is an off-base dry cleaning business. It was discovered that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) used a data model and analysis method to estimate the concentration of contaminants in the past. Utilizing these methods, ATSDR estimated that PCE concentrations were above levels that are currently the EPA maximum contaminant limit, that is, five parts per billion for drinking water of Tarawa Terrace. Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant for 346 consecutive months between November 1957 through February 1987. The most polluted wells were closed in February of 1985.
The water taken from the Hadnot Point water treatment plant was contaminated mainly with the chemical TCE (trichloroethylene). Other contaminants in the drinking water included PCE and benzene, TCE, and vinyl chloride. The water supply wells were contaminated due to numerous sources, including leaks from underground tanks for storage, industrial zone spills, and waste disposal sites. ATSDR modeled the contamination and determined that, at the very least, one VOC overcame the current EPA maximum contaminant limit in drinking water in August 1953 and January 1985.
What was in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune?
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- Benzene: Used to make other chemicals that compose plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers
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- Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE: is used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing
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- Trichloroethylene (TCE): A solvent used to clean metal parts
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- Vinyl chloride (VC): Over time, TCE and PCE in groundwater degrade to become VC
Benzene TCE and Benzene VC have been classified as chemicals that cause cancer.
PCE can be classified as likely carcinogenic. Exposure to these chemicals could also increase the risk of developing congenital disabilities and other health issues.
How many people may have been affected by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water?
Well, there is a correct number to show, but according to Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
As many as one million military and civilian staff and their families might have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water.
Who is eligible for the Camp Lejeune water Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may now be able to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you might still be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit on their behalf.
We understand this may be a difficult time for you and your family. Even under the best circumstances, filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming or out of reach.
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