The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirms a chilling link between contaminated tap water at Camp Lejeune and a heightened risk of serious birth defects and childhood cancers. This revelation has shattered the lives of countless veterans and their families, exposing a tragic legacy of environmental negligence.
Between the 1950s and 1980s, Camp Lejeune’s water supply was unknowingly tainted with dangerous chemicals. The contamination stemmed from two primary sources: an on-base fuel depot plagued by leaks and a nearby off-base drycleaner. These sources leached volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the groundwater, unknowingly poisoning those who lived and worked on the base.
Tragically, the impact of this contamination was most profound on the most vulnerable: infants. Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who resided at Camp Lejeune during this period faced a fourfold increase in the risk of birth defects compared to mothers who were not exposed. These defects ranged from heart conditions and limb malformations to devastating neurological disorders.
The heartbreaking reality is that these families were exposed in their everyday lives. They unknowingly drank the contaminated water, bathed in it, cooked with it, washed their clothes in it, and even mixed their baby formula with it. The consequences of this prolonged exposure have been devastating.
The list of health issues linked to Camp Lejeune’s water contamination is extensive and heartbreaking. Infants born to mothers who lived on base during the contamination period have experienced:
Furthermore, veterans and their family members have reported a higher incidence of:
The stories from veterans and their families paint a grim picture of life at Camp Lejeune during those years. The most harrowing accounts, however, are those of families torn apart by miscarriages, stillbirths, and children born with severe health problems. These stories underscore the profound and lasting impact of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination.
While nothing can erase the pain and suffering endured by these families, there is a glimmer of hope. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, passed in 2022, provides a pathway for veterans, their families, and civilian workers stationed at the base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to file lawsuits and seek compensation for the harm they suffered.
The deadline to file a claim is August 10, 2024. Don’t wait. Act now to secure the justice and support you deserve.
Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter.
