Camp Lejeune, a United States Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, has been at the center of a decades-long water contamination scandal that has affected countless military personnel, their families, and civilian workers.
From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at the base was contaminated with a variety of toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry cleaning solvent, and trichloroethylene (TCE), a degreaser.
This prolonged exposure to contaminated water has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including various types of cancer, birth defects, and other medical complications.
One of the most heartbreaking consequences of the Camp Lejeune water contamination is the increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages and birth defects.
Pregnant women who lived on the base during the contamination period unknowingly put their unborn babies at risk by consuming, bathing in, and using the toxic water for everyday activities.
Studies have shown that exposure to contaminated water during early pregnancy may have increased the risk of neural tube defects, childhood leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the offspring of these women.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conducted a study surveying nearly 13,000 parents of children born at Camp Lejeune between 1968 and 1985. The findings revealed that drinking contaminated water during the early stages of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of certain birth defects.
Another study by the ATSDR found a link between exposure to contaminated water and increased rates of miscarriages and childhood cancers.
Repeated Denials of VA Claims
Tragically, many women who suffered miscarriages, stillbirths, or had children with birth defects while living at Camp Lejeune have felt overlooked and dismissed for decades.
Despite clear evidence connecting the base’s water contamination to these health issues, countless women have faced repeated denials of VA claims and have struggled to find justice.
The main sources of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune were traced back to three major drinking water systems on the base: Hadnot Point, Tarawa Terrace, and Holcomb Boulevard.
The contaminants originated from both on-site and off-site sources, with the majority coming from on-site sources.
Contamination Surfaced in the 1980s
The history of the Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal spans several decades, with the first reports of contamination surfacing in the early 1980s.
However, it took years for the military to acknowledge and address the full scope of the issue. In the intervening years, countless individuals were exposed to the toxic water, leading to a wide range of health problems that often took decades to manifest.
The Janey Ensminger Act, which President Obama signed into law in 2012, sought to provide medical attention for those who might have suffered from the tainted water at Camp Lejeune.
The act was named after the daughter of Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, who died of leukemia at the age of nine, likely due to exposure to contaminated water.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Despite this progress, many victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination have continued to face obstacles in their pursuit of justice.
However, the recently passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which is part of the PACT Act, now provides an opportunity for those affected to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered.
This legislation allows individuals who lived or worked at the base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 to file lawsuits against the U.S. government, even if their claims were previously denied.
For the women who experienced the heartbreak of miscarriages or the challenges of raising children with birth defects due to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, this new legislation offers a glimmer of hope.
While no amount of financial compensation can undo the years of pain and suffering, it can provide a sense of acknowledgment and support for those who have long been overlooked.
Seeking Justice
As the legal process unfolds and more victims come forward to share their stories, it is crucial that we, as a society, recognize the far-reaching impact of environmental contamination on human health.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal serves as a sobering reminder that the consequences of negligence and improper waste disposal can be devastating and long-lasting.
It is the responsibility of our government and military leaders to ensure that the health and well-being of service members, their families, and civilian employees are protected.
This includes providing a safe and clean environment as well as swift and transparent action when problems arise.
Please speak with a lawyer to learn more about your legal options if you or a loved one at Camp Lejeune suffered harm due to the toxic water.
