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What Happens If I Drank the Contaminated Water From Camp Lejeune?

Over one million people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water.

Recently, Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina, has been the subject of a lawsuit. Over one million people who lived or worked on the base between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water. These substances have a high probability of causing diseases such as cancer. Here is everything you need to know about the effects of toxic water from Camp Lejeune and the lawsuit against military base Camp Lejeune.

allegations against camp lejeune

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit alleges that Camp Lejeune knowingly disposed of solvents near its wells in violation of a 1974 base order requiring safe disposal. The base’s wells were closed at one point but eventually were placed back online. By that time, toxic chemicals had contaminated the water in those wells.

In 1982, dangerous organic compounds were detected in the base’s drinking water. This information was not made public for almost twenty years. Many people did not know they were exposed. Others who had lost family members only then learned of the cause of their illness.

health issues suffered

Marines, their families, and civilian employees of the base drank and bathed in contaminated water for decades. The water may have contained toxins at an amount of over 3,000 times the legally permitted levels. Exposure to volatile organic compounds found in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water probably caused severe birth defects since that time.

The number of people who may have died due to exposure at Camp Lejeune during that time is unknown. Estimates have it as high as tens of thousands. There are many instances of leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and neurobehavioral effects. Other illnesses were also linked to exposure to the toxic water including cancer.

who has been affected?

Those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 could have been affected by water contamination. Research suggests that working or living on the base for at least 30 days may have led to health problems related to the toxic water.

what can i do if i think i was a victim?

If you or a loved one believe you were exposed to toxic chemicals found at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Complete a free eligibility check to see if you qualify.

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