Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in North Carolina that has been found to have contaminated its water supply with a number of dangerous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and benzene. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other serious illnesses. The contamination occurred over a period of several decades and was discovered in the 1980s, but it was not until recent years that the extent of the contamination and the associated health risks were fully understood. The US government has established a compensation program for Camp Lejeune victims who were affected by the contaminated water, and the base is currently undergoing extensive cleanup efforts.
Due to the chemicals found in the water, the residents of the base between the 50s and 80s are now suffering from serious health risks. Following are a couple of dangers of chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water;
Table of Contents
Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical that was commonly used as a degreaser and solvent in industrial settings, and it has been found to be a contaminant in the water supply of Camp Lejeune and other locations. Long-term exposure to TCE has been linked to a variety of health problems in humans, including:
Cancer
TCE is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Long-term exposure to TCE has been associated with an increased risk of liver, kidney, and cervical cancer.
Neurological Effects
TCE exposure has been linked to neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
TCE exposure has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and developmental disorders in children.
Liver and Kidney Damage
TCE has been shown to cause damage to the liver and kidneys in animals and humans.
It is important to note that the effects of TCE exposure can vary depending on the level of exposure, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Additionally, TCE exposure can occur not only through drinking contaminated water but also through inhalation of contaminated air and skin contact.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical that is widely used in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and it is also found in gasoline and other fossil fuels. Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to a variety of health problems in humans, including:
Head Aches and Dizziness
These are the mild effects of exposure to the chemical. Usually, a person will feel dizzy or experience severe headaches. This can also be followed by tremors and irregular breathing, and if exposed for a longer period, it can be fatal.
Bone Marrow Damage
Benzene has been shown to cause damage to the bone marrow, which can lead to a decrease in the production of red and white blood cells. The chemical is known to disrupt and attack the circulatory and respiratory systems in humans.
Other side effects include complications in pregnancy and childbirth and neurological illness. However, the effects are not immediately visible as high exposure to the chemical is necessary to showcase the dangerous effects.
There are other dangerous chemicals that were found in the water at Camp Lejeune. However, the ones mentioned caused the most damage. If you were experiencing any symptoms without understanding them and were a resident of Camp Lejeune, it’s best to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis.
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