When we look back into the past, a few events haunt us for years and decades. One such dramatic, unforgettable experience is the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Sadly, this event left a negative impression on those who lived there. It’s believed that more than a million Marines and their families were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water supply between the 1950s and 1980s.
According to a recent study, Camp Lejeune veterans who were exposed to contaminated water have a 70% chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. Also, some reports suggest that Camp Lejeune’s toxic chemicals led to more than 50,000 cases of breast cancer, 28,000 cases of bladder cancer, and 24,000 cases of renal cancer.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the devastating impact caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident. We will also discuss the long-term health effects that still haunt us today.
Understanding the Contaminants and Their Effects
The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and industrial solvents in Camp Lejeune’s water supply were crucial factors that ultimately led to serious health problems. However, TorHoerman Law believes researchers are still trying to figure out how the contamination affected people’s health.
As per the National Library of Medicine, Camp Lejeune’s water supply contained many chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, benzene, and chloroform. These chemicals were one of the main reasons that led to different types of cancer and other diseases. These include bladder cancer, breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, etc. Additionally, there were a lot of birth abnormality cases and several other long-term health issues.
Regarding the symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination, they vary from one disease to another. For example, people who experience a change in breast size/shape, skin texture, or any lump in the breast are most likely to get affected by breast cancer. Or if someone experiences severe bleeding after sexual intercourse or unusual pain during intercourse, they might get diagnosed with cervical cancer.
A Real-Life Example
Recently, CNN Politics covered the Camp Lejeune water contamination case. The story was about Eddie Peterson, who once served as a judge advocate at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in the 1970s.
He dreamed of working as a lawyer and wanted to serve in the Marines. In the end, both of his wishes came true. But little did this man know back then that he was exposed to something as deadly and hazardous as Camp Lejeune water. He and millions of other Marines, civilian staff, and their family members had no idea they were drinking, washing their clothes, and bathing in water with life-threatening chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) mixed in it.
Now, fast-forward to 2022. On a random day, Eddie lost consciousness at his Memphis home and couldn’t breathe. His wife Lori performed CPR on him until an emergency team arrived and saved his life.
He has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As a 76-year-old man, his health has declined over the past few decades, but his mind is still as sharp as it used to be. He’s now stammering and stuttering. Some words can be heard occasionally, but it’s impossible to understand Peterson if you don’t know him personally.
Having completed more than 300 jury trials and established a successful career in the courtroom, he now finds communicating difficult and even had a deep brain stimulator implanted.
The Legal Aspect: Seeking Compensation and Justice
Understanding Your Rights
If you or your loved ones have been affected by the contamination, there are legal options to consider. This is the best way to hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable.
The Role of Legal Experts
Environmental contamination cases can be tricky to deal with, especially in court. This is where experts come in handy. Their experience handling such cases helps those seeking justice.
Empathy and Support
It’s not just about the legal stuff. It’s about support during hard times. Legal experts understand how hard it can be to deal with health challenges. Compensating someone isn’t just about money but closure and justice.
Final Thoughts
The aftereffects of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination continue to echo. Lingering health effects remind us of the past and urge us to take action. So, getting medical help is crucial – early help can make a huge difference. Your story matters. Sharing it can help others going through a similar crisis.
However, the journey doesn’t end there. It’s up to you to add your voice to the collective and make a difference.
