Camp Lejeune is a military base in North Carolina, which has been home to thousands of soldiers over the years. Between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, soldiers stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated drinking water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has determined that exposure to certain water chemicals increases the risk of developing cancer and other diseases. Veterans and their dependents are eligible for free health care, other benefits, and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, the process of filing a claim can be complex, so you must get help to file a claim. This article will discuss what those chemicals were and how they affected the health of people posted there.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a solvent used in dry cleaning. It’s also a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. TCE can cause liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, and immune system effects. Exposure to TCE has been linked to reproductive problems, irritability, anxiety disorders like PTSD or depression, and other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
Tetrachloroethylene is a volatile organic compound used mainly in dry cleaning and as an industrial solvent. It’s also known by its chemical name, perchloroethylene (PCE). Tetrachloroethylene is one of the most common toxic chemicals found at superfund sites (areas contaminated with hazardous waste) across the United States. The EPA has classified PCE as a possible human carcinogen based on studies from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that have indicated that high exposure to this chemical may cause cancer in humans. PCE is also a developmental toxin that can cause congenital disabilities in unborn children. It’s also been shown to affect the nervous system and cause infant brain damage. PCE exposure can be dangerous while pregnant or breastfeeding, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. PCE is a colorless liquid that has a faint, ethereal smell. It can be used as a solvent for waxes and other materials, but it’s rarely used in this capacity anymore due to its toxicity.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical used to produce polystyrene, nylon, and other products. It can also be found in gasoline, coal tar, and crude oil. In the military, benzene is used to manufacture rocket fuel and jet engine lubricant. Due to long-term exposure, benzene has been linked with cancer and liver, kidney, and heart damage.
Benzene is highly flammable and can cause severe burns when it comes in contact with your skin. It is also highly toxic if swallowed. It has been linked to congenital disabilities, developmental problems, and neurological damage. Benzene causes headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal disorders like nausea and vomiting.
We hope this post helped you understand the water contamination issue at Camp Lejeune. The chemical compounds found in the water can have a wide range of effects on your body, so it’s important to know what they are and how they can affect your health. If you think your water supply is contaminated, get it checked and consult an attorney.
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