The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident is a tragic chapter in U.S. history, affecting thousands of military personnel, their families, and civilians. This article explores the top 5 health impacts that led to the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, shedding light on the severity of the contamination and its devastating consequences.
1. Cancer
Breast Cancer
Camp Lejeune is associated with many male breast cancer cases, a rare condition for men. The contamination has also been linked to other cancers, including bladder, liver, and lung cancer.
Kidney Cancer
The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was found to have a 35% higher risk of kidney cancer. The presence of harmful chemicals like TCE and PCE contributed to this alarming statistic.
2. Birth Defects and Miscarriages
Neural Tube Defects
A federal study concluded that the rate of neural tube defects was 265 times higher in babies connected with Camp Lejeune than the national average.
Miscarriages
Many stillbirths and miscarriages occurred due to mothers being exposed to contaminated water during pregnancy, leading to tragic losses for families.
3. Neurological Disorders
Parkinson’s Disease
The contaminated water has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Developmental Delays in Children
Children whose mothers were exposed to contaminated water during pregnancy are at risk for developmental delays or learning disabilities.
4. Blood Disorders
Leukemia
The exposure to chemicals like benzene in the water supply led to an increased risk of leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Multiple Myeloma
Marines had a 68% higher risk of multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, due to the toxic water contamination.
5. Liver and Kidney Damage
Liver Damage
The presence of vinyl chloride and other chemicals in the water led to conditions like hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease.
Kidney Damage
Long-term exposure to the contaminated water led to end-stage renal disease and other kidney-related ailments.
Conclusion: The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit emerged as a response to the extensive health impacts caused by water contamination at the base. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, signed in 2022, allowed victims to sue the government for personal injury and wrongful death damages. The lawsuit represents a fight for justice for those who suffered due to the negligence and failure to act by the authorities.
The health impacts leading to the Camp Lejeune lawsuit are a stark reminder of the importance of environmental safety and the duty of care owed to those who serve their country. The legacy of Camp Lejeune serves as a lesson in accountability, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice.