Between 1953 and 1987, people who lived or worked on Camp Lejeune were exposed to numerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) through exposure to the drinking water on base. The US Marine Corps discovered VOCs in the drinking water that came from two of the eight water treatment plants suppling water to the base in 1982. Investigations found that toxic waste was dumped repeatedly for years into multiple sites on and off base. This toxic waste seeped into the water supply at Camp Lejeune. People were exposed through drinking, bathing, or swimming in Camp Lejeune’s water.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a subsidiary of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ATSDR researches the health impacts of hazardous waste sites. It has reviewed the conditions of the water supplied to Camp Lejeune regularly since the late 1980s. ATSDR’s analyses have found that chemicals such as TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE (perchloroethylene), benzene, and vinyl chloride were present in water samples from three water distribution plants at Camp Lejeune. ATSDR has found that these chemicals likely increased the risk of certain cancers, adverse birth outcomes, and other adverse health effects of the residents and civilian workers at Camp Lejeune.
ATSDR published its most recent public health assessment of drinking water at Camp Lejeune in 2018. ATSDR continues to study the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to VOCs in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. We are awaiting the release of the agency’s most recent findings.
To learn more about our firm’s efforts in supporting those injured by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and how you can help support the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, please visit our Camp Lejeune page here…