If you have served or resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may have had prolonged contact with contaminated water around the area. The contamination began in the 1950s when drinking water was heavily contaminated with toxic, carcinogenic chemical compounds. Some of these chemical compounds include perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), trans1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.
Studies from the Department of Defense and other branches show that people exposed to these chemicals at Camp Lejeune areas are at high risk of developing numerous medical issues, including various types of cancer.
Therefore, if you have worked or lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be able to get disability benefits from a Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit. You are eligible for health care and compensation benefits. This applies even if you were diagnosed decades ago.
Below are some types of cancers linked to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
1. Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is one of the common cancers resulting from Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. Exposure to TCE and PCE chemicals is associated with a high risk of developing kidney cancer. These chemical compounds were found in Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, according to the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The studies showed that the incidence rate of kidney cancer among the employees and residents at Camp Lejeune was three times higher in comparison to the control groups. The study also showed that exposure to contaminated water did not only cause kidney cancer, but other chronic kidney diseases. These findings were also confirmed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
2. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the bladder, the urethra, and the lining of the ureter. The high rate of bladder cancer among the workers and residents at Camp Lejeune was linked to the contaminated water. The mortality rate from bladder cancer was found to be three times higher among Camp Lejeune employees compared to the control groups.
Other studies show that there are around 82,000 new cases of bladder cancer in the U.S. every year. Symptoms of bladder cancer include back pain, painful urination, frequent urination and bloody or very dark urine.
3. Leukemia
Blood cancer, also known as leukemia, has been associated with the carcinogenic chemical compounds found in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water. Studies showed that there is a correlation between the rate of incidence of blood cancer and the level of exposure to contaminated water.
There is ample scientific proof that the chemical compounds found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune increase the risk of developing leukemia. An example study conducted in 2020 involving a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune and later developed hairy cell leukemia showed a strong association between leukemia and exposure to benzene and TCE.
4. Liver Cancer
If you have lived in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and have contracted liver cancer, it could be because of Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Liver cancer and fatty liver disease at Camp Lejeune have been associated with water contamination. The association between vinyl chloride and liver cancer has been well established by researchers even long before the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Therefore, if you contracted liver cancer after exposure to contaminated water, you are eligible for compensation in a Camp Lejeune liver cancer lawsuit.
Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer
Although the ATSDR studies have researched the connection of both prostate and breast cancer to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, these are not among the list of cancers presumptively considered service-connected.
This is because prostate and breast cancers are prevalent and have been associated with numerous environmental factors that could be other than the carcinogenic chemicals in the contaminated water. However, this should not refrain you from seeking justice.
Getting Compensated for Cancers Linked to Camp Lejeune
If you are a veteran and have served at Camp Lejeune, you are likely entitled to compensation and health care. This is under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act passed on August 2, 2022 by Congress. This Act is part of the PACT Act that allows veterans and other personnel to claim and recover damages related to cancer or other medical issues linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Elrod Pope Law Firm is actively representing employees, veterans, residents and family members who suffered medical problems as a result of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination. If you are suffering from one of these problems, don’t hesitate to contact us for legal assistance.
