The issue of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, a United States Marine Corps base in North Carolina, is a significant and ongoing concern that affects not only the health and well-being of military personnel and their families but also the broader community surrounding the base. The contamination, which primarily involves volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and benzene, has been a subject of extensive study and litigation.
History of Contamination
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune dates back to the 1950s and continued until the mid-1980s. During this period, the base’s water treatment plants, particularly the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water plants, were contaminated with VOCs. These chemicals were used in various industrial and commercial applications on the base, including dry cleaning and the disposal of hazardous waste. Over time, the chemicals seeped into the groundwater, leading to widespread contamination of the water supply.
Health Effects of Exposure
Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including various types of cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has conducted extensive research on the health effects of exposure to the contaminated water and has identified several health outcomes that are associated with exposure to VOCs. These include:
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Birth defects and reproductive problems
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
- Other diseases, such as kidney and liver disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also conducted studies on the health effects of exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The CDC's research has found that exposure to the contaminated water is associated with an increased risk of certain health problems, including cancer and birth defects.
Government Response and Legislation
The government has taken steps to address the issue of water contamination at Camp Lejeune and to provide compensation to those who were exposed to the contaminated water. In 2012, Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, which provides health care and other benefits to veterans and family members who were exposed to the contaminated water. The law also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide compensation to eligible individuals who have developed certain health conditions as a result of their exposure to the contaminated water.
Eligibility for Benefits
To be eligible for benefits under the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, an individual must have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987. This includes veterans, family members, and civilian employees who worked on the base during this time period. The VA has established a list of presumptive diseases that are associated with exposure to the contaminated water, including certain types of cancer, birth defects, and other diseases.
| Condition | Association with Exposure |
|---|---|
| Leukemia | Strong association |
| Lymphoma | Strong association |
| Benzene exposure-related diseases | Strong association |
| Neurological disorders | Association |
Conclusion and Future Implications
The issue of water contamination at Camp Lejeune serves as a critical reminder of the importance of protecting the health and well-being of military personnel and their families. The government’s response to the crisis, including the passage of the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs of those who have been affected by the contamination. However, more work remains to be done to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to and that the lessons of Camp Lejeune are applied to prevent similar crises in the future.
What is the history of water contamination at Camp Lejeune?
+The water contamination at Camp Lejeune dates back to the 1950s and continued until the mid-1980s. During this period, the base’s water treatment plants were contaminated with VOCs, which were used in various industrial and commercial applications on the base.
What health effects are associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?
+Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including various types of cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. The ATSDR and CDC have conducted extensive research on the health effects of exposure to the contaminated water and have identified several health outcomes that are associated with exposure to VOCs.
How do I determine if I am eligible for benefits under the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act?
+To be eligible for benefits under the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, an individual must have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987. The VA has established a list of presumptive diseases that are associated with exposure to the contaminated water, including certain types of cancer, birth defects, and other diseases.
