How have the contaminants found in the Camp Lejeune water negatively impacted the body?

A multitude of toxic elements and compounds that were present in the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina drinking water between the years 1953 and 1985 are having detrimental effects on veterans who served and their loved ones. Four main chemicals were found in the water on the Camp Lejeune base: Benzene, Perchloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), and Vinyl chloride. Along with a highly toxic element known as Mercury. These known chemicals can be contained if exposed just once, but when consumed in excess they will begin to affect the organ systems.

If you were consuming the water from the Camp Lejeune water wells, and you have returned home to discover that you now have medical issues they could be directly related to the chemicals found in the water.

Any person living on the base whether it be veterans, family, or even medical service workers was wrongfully exposed to these toxins. If all personnel was properly informed of what they were being exposed to then. They could have avoided the health problems that would ensue. The government workers on the base were aware of the contaminants in the water wells that were used for supplying everyone will drinking water, but they blatantly disregarded the moral obligation to inform those who were consuming the water.

Common diagnoses in veterans affected by the Camp Lejeune water well contaminants

Many veterans reported that in the years following their return home they began to notice negative health conditions. A common disease that was caused by water consumption was a plethora of cancer diagnoses. Doctors compiled a list of the most abundant cancer diagnoses that were caused by the contaminants and they are as follows:

• Lung
• Kidney
• Esophageal
• Bladder
• Breast
• Leukemia
• Cervical
• Prostate
• Ovarian

Doctors found that excessive exposure to these chemicals accelerated the onset of cancers in patients. They also saw that there were increased rates of mortality in cases where those who served at Camp Lejeune military base passed away from a cancer diagnosis. It was studied that those who had passed away had extremely higher levels of benzene, perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and vinyl chloride in their systems during autopsies.

What are the neurobehavioral effects associated with Camp Lejeune?

The brain is the control center for all life processes and it keeps you alert and alive. When the brain is exposed to harmful toxins it begins to malfunction and this can begin to significantly affect someone’s life and the relationships that they have with others. Those who returned home after spending time at Camp Lejeune and drinking the contaminated water began to notice they were not thinking as clearly and that they began to have some motor function problems.

The neurobehavioral disorder is a disease where your everyday tasks feel like a challenge and you can even begin o lose your concept of reality. Some common effects of being diagnosed with the neurobehavioral disorder are:

• Dementia
• Extreme fatigue
• Motor function ability begins to decline
• Insomnia
• Decreasing memory retention
• Poor concentration on tasks
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (commonly known as PTSD)

This list is not a complete list of symptoms but these are just a few ways your brain is affecting your life. As an adult coming back from serving on a military base, you seek a sense of normalcy and find your way through life. But if you were exposed to the harmful toxins in the drinking wells then you could use your chance at living a normal healthy life. Neurological complications are irreversible because the neural connections in the brain are so complex. Having a family became difficult for the veterans that began to start a life post-military.

Mercury exposure not only can harm you but also your future children

Women that were on the base were exposed to mercury which is an element that is never intended for human consumption. Mercury itself is intended to conduct electricity and is the fluid inside of a liquid thermometer. Mothers who were expecting to give birth that was exposed to mercury noticed differences in their children and other kids. Babies born from mothers who consumed the mercury in the water were later diagnosed with mental retardation and some unfortunately were stillborn. They also were born with breathing problems because as a fetus they had very small lungs that inhale and exhale faster than adults to get an adequate air supply to their organs. If this air is consisting of harmful chemicals, then the chemicals are being spread around their organs at a faster rate. They also have poorly developed immune systems at such a young age, and their bodies are not equipped to withstand exposure to toxins.

Not only are those who were serving our country but also defenseless children were being impacted by the negligence of the government to inform the patrons of the Camp Lejeune base of the contaminants of the drinking water.

Contact King Law Today

If you feel like you or a family member was involved with these situations, call King Law today for a free consultation to get answers to your questions!