Camp Lejeune Litigation

Camp Lejeune is a sprawling military base in North Carolina. It houses around 170,000 individuals and primarily serves as a readiness facility for military units.

The Camp LeJeune disability area also includes MCAS New River and MCB Stone Bay. Personnel from these stations may also be affected by the contamination.

Contamination issues began in the mid-1950s and persisted until the mid-1980s, when the contaminated wells were closed. The contamination primarily originated from the mishandling of industrial solvents and fuel spills on the base.

Estimates show that up to 1 million individuals were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, including military personnel, their families, and civilian workers.

Numerous studies, including those by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and National Research Council, have linked Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water to various health issues, including cancer and reproductive disorders:

• Cancer: Numerous studies have linked exposure to contaminants in Camp Lejeune’s water supply to various forms of cancer. These include Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, breast cancer, and more. The elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) found in the water are considered carcinogens by organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
• Reproductive Issues: Exposure to contaminated water is associated with reproductive problems such as male and female infertility and multiple miscarriages among individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune. Studies have shown that certain contaminants, including TCE and PCE, can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with reproductive functions.
• Neurological Disorders: Research suggests a correlation between exposure to toxic substances and neurological disorders. Conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, tremors, Alzheimer’s, and neurobehavioral effects have been reported at higher rates among individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The neurotoxic properties of some contaminants, such as TCE, may contribute to the development of these disorders.
• Liver and Kidney Diseases: Exposure to chemicals like benzene and vinyl chloride found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply is linked to liver and kidney diseases. These contaminants can affect organ function and can lead to long-term health complications.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Studies have indicated a potential association between exposure to contaminated water and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. The immune system may be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to toxic substances, leading to the development of autoimmune disorders.
• Other Health Issues: Additionally, individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have reported a wide range of other health issues, including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, and cardiac birth defects in children born.