Over 1 million people living and working at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to dangerous and toxic chemicals in the military base’s drinking water. Toxic chemicals started polluting Camp Lejeune in 1953, but it wasn’t until 1982 that the Marine Corps discovered the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the base’s drinking water. The main constituents of the water toxins were trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene.
If you were a service member, a family member, a civilian, a contractor, or in utero at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987, and you have symptoms or illnesses that could be connected to water contamination, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our expert Camp Lejeune advocates today for a free, no-obligation case review.
What Chemicals Caused the Contamination?
There are four main chemicals deemed responsible for the water contamination at Camp LeJeune:
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
The main contaminant found in the water at Camp Lejeune was TCE, a chemical used for degreasing and cleaning metal equipment. This chemical polluted the water supply at Tarawa Terrace, an onsite housing complex for service members and their families.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has classified it as a human carcinogen. TCE levels at Camp Lejeune were 1,400 parts per billion (ppb), nearly 300 times higher than the safe limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Learn More About TCE from the CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
Tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, was utilized for dry cleaning and as a degreaser. ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry cleaning company, was identified as the origin of the contamination. The substance was detected at Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point, another housing area for service members and their families.
The concentration of this chemical reached 215 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the EPA’s maximum safe limits by over forty times. As time passes, PCE will break down and transform into other hazardous chemicals, including TCE, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), and vinyl chloride, which pose additional risks.
Learn More About PERC from the CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Vinyl Chloride
The primary use of vinyl chloride is in the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is widely employed in the creation of diverse plastic items, including construction materials and packaging materials. It is also used in the manufacturing of Teflon. Vinyl chloride also occurs due to the breakdown of chemicals like tetrachloroethylene, or PCE.
Learn More About VC from the CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Benzene
The water supply at Camp Lejeune experienced contamination from benzene, originating from a dry cleaning establishment situated on the base. Numerous industries use benzene to manufacture other substances, such as plastics, resins, and nylon synthetic fibers. Additionally, benzene is used in producing lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. It is a carcinogen and can cause a multitude of serious health problems.
Learn More About Benzene from the CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
If You’re Suffering From Health Conditions Due to Camp Lejeune Water, You Deserve Justice
If you were present at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987 as a service member, family member, civilian, or contractor, or were in utero during that time, and you have illnesses that may be related to water contamination, you could qualify for compensation. We understand that no amount of money can fully compensate for the hardships and disabilities caused by this devastating situation. However, you should talk to a compassionate Camp Lejeune water contamination advocacy group who can help you navigate the path toward recovering the benefits and assistance you need.
At Disabled Vets, our advocates are well-versed in the challenges that Camp Lejeune victims have faced for decades, and we are here to stand by your side. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in preparing your case and filing a Camp Lejeune water claim promptly and efficiently. Our compassionate advocacy group is here to listen and provide support throughout this process. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
