Camp Lejeune Cancer

Water Contamination Led to Camp Lejeune Cancer

Marines and their family members, as well as others who worked on Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1980s, may have been exposed to high concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals in their drinking water. Between 1953 and 1987, at least two of the main water distribution systems of the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were contaminated with toxic levels of harmful chemicals. Hundreds of thousands of veterans and their loved ones were exposed and an unknown number have developed Camp Lejeune cancer as a result. This page contains full information on Camp Lejeune cancer for anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s or 1980s.

Contaminated Wells Led to Camp Lejeune Cancer

Between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, hundreds of thousands of Marines, their family members, civilian workers and other personnel at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were exposed to known carcinogens in their drinking water. The Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace water distribution systems were both contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other harmful chemicals, leading to Camp Lejeune cancer. Found at levels ranging from 240 - 3400 times the quantities considered safe for human exposure, these toxicants have likely resulted in thousands of Camp Lejeune cancer cases.

More than 70 distinct chemicals were detected in water sources serving the barracks, main base, family and temporary housing areas. The water that caused Camp Lejeune cancer serviced homes, schools, workplaces and daycares. Among the chemicals that caused cancer at Camp Lejeune are VOCs such as PCE (perchloroethylene), a drycleaning solvent, and TCE (trichloroethylene), a degreaser. The likely source of these and other chemicals linked to Camp Lejeune cancer are an off-site drycleaning facility and military gear cleaning operations on the base camp itself. Benzene was also found in the water that caused Camp Lejeune cancer, most likely the result of an 800,000 gallon fuel leak from underground fuel tanks onsite.

Types of Camp Lejeune Cancer

Confirmed cases of Camp Lejeune cancer include cancer of the esophagus, lung, breast, bladder, and kidney; multiple myeloma, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In addition to Camp Lejeune cancer cases, exposure to the contaminated water has been linked to a range of other health problems including miscarriage, female infertility, myleodysplastic syndromes, renal toxicity, hepatic steatosis, scleroderma, and neurobehavioral effects.

How Can I Help?

Take action now by signing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition. Veterans and their family members who were harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, along with their loved ones and supporters, can help by signing this important petition. Click here to learn more.

CDC Findings on Camp Lejeune Cancer

In February of 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its findings on the correlation between contaminated water and cancer at Camp Lejeune. Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune during the decades of contaminated water faced a 10% higher risk of dying of cancer than Marines at Camp Pendleton in California. The findings were also broken down by type of cancer from Camp Lejeune:

35% higher risk of kidney cancer
42% higher risk of liver cancer
47% higher risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
68% higher risk of multiple myeloma

Veterans Receive Free Medical Care for Camp Lejeune Cancer

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides free medical care to persons suffering from Camp Lejeune cancer and other specific illnesses if they lived or worked on Camp Lejeune for at least thirty days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Fifteen different illnesses qualify for this free medical care as a result of the Janey Ensminger Act of 2012. Janey Ensminger was the nine-year-old daughter of a Marine at Camp Lejeune who died of leukemia. Janey Ensminger is just one of countless cases of Camp Lejeune cancer. An estimated 750,000 people qualify for free medical care under that legislation.

Camp Lejeune Cancer Victims Seek Justice

While persons suffering from Camp Lejeune cancer do have access to medical care, they are prevented by a North Carolina state law from pursuing compensation for their pain, suffering and loss. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, currently on the table in both the U.S. Senate and Congress, would, for the first time, enable victims and family members of Camp Lejeune cancer to pursue damages in a court of law.

Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs and Judiciary Committees and a sponsor of the bill explains the importance of this legislation: "Currently, veterans and their families affected by water contamination issues at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks with the application of North Carolina law, keeping them from getting their day in court for often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered."

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act - Justice for Veterans Now!

Veterans and their loved ones have suffered from severe and life-threatening illnesses for decades as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will give these families the right to pursue justice in a court of law and seek damages for the pain, suffering and loss that have resulted from contaminated Lejeune water.

Sign the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act petition calls on legislators to pass this historic and vital piece of legislation as a remedy to the harm done to countless servicemembers and their families. Add your voice by signing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition today!