U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is the site of toxic chemical exposure that has impacted many current and former Marines, their families, and contract workers who lived and worked there. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after living at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Contamination lawyers at Goldenberg Lauricella today for a free Camp Lejeune lawsuit consultation.
Cancers and Illnesses Linked to PFAS Forever Chemicals Found at Camp Lejeune
The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a final rule that went into effect in March 2017 that veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) during the period and were diagnosed with any of the 8 associated diseases which are presumed to have occurred as a result of the water contamination are entitled to VA benefits. An abbreviated list of the health complications caused by exposure to the contaminated water includes:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Camp Lejeune Contaminated with Toxic “Forever Chemicals”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), reported that from August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (“Camp Lejeune) in North Carolina were exposed to drinking water that was contaminated with “forever chemicals,” including trichlorethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene.
These colorless chemicals are known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down and can accumulate in the human body and in the environment. Exposure to forever chemicals has been linked to serious health consequences, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancers.
Testing and Health Effects Linked to Chemical Contaminants
The ATSDR conducted testing for more than 20 years to evaluate the health implications of water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Two mortality studies and a cancer incidence study of employees at Camp Lejeune revealed the potentially deadly complications of consuming water contaminated with PFAS forever chemicals. The mortality studies researched the death and healthcare records of almost 200,000 former employees and Marines who lived or worked at the camp. The mortality studies revealed that individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had a higher mortality rate for kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia.
The ATSDR also published information on the health risks that have been linked to the forever chemicals TCE, PCE, benzene, and VC exposure that was found at Camp Lejeune:
TCE Health Effects:
- Kidney cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Cardiac defects
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- End-stage renal disease
- Parkinson disease
- Scleroderma
PCE Health Effects:
- Bladder cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- End-stage renal disease
Benzene Health Effects:
- Leukemias
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
VC Health Effects:
- Liver cancer
How Goldenberg Lauricella Can Help You
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1953 through 1987 and were diagnosed with cancer, contact the Camp Lejeune Contamination Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella. Our law firm has more than 35 years of experience providing the Gold standard of advocacy to our clients. The legal process can be long and complex, and you need a team on your side with a track record of success and experience. Contact us today for a free consultation.