Camp Lejeune Water FAQ

Answers to the Most Common Camp Lejeune Water Questions

This page provides answers to questions frequently asked about Camp Lejeune water contamination. Hundreds of thousands of veterans, civilian workers, and their family members were exposed to carcinogens and toxins in their drinking water at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1980s. This page contains answers to Camp Lejeune water exposure FAQs, as well as information on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition.

When was the water at Camp Lejeune contaminated and who was affected?

Two of the main water distribution systems serving Camp Lejeune contained harmful levels of toxicants between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. The two affected systems were Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace. These water systems serviced the hospital as well as barracks, housing, daycares and schools, as well as numerous workplaces. Anyone who lived or worked in areas serviced by these water distribution systems for at least 30 days may have been affected by toxicants in the water at Camp Lejeune.

What illnesses were caused by Camp Lejeune water contamination?

A number of types of cancer as well as other medical conditions have been linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The fifteen conditions that have been connected with Camp Lejeune include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Renal toxicity
• Hepatic steatosis
• Female infertility
• Miscarriage
• Scleroderma
• Neuro-behavioral effects

How can I sign the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition?

Simply complete the brief form on this page and submit. Your name will be added to the many veterans, family members, and other concerned citizens calling for justice. You can also read the full Camp Lejeune Justice Act Petition on this website.

Do victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination have access to free medical care?

Yes, persons who lived or worked on Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 qualify for free medical care for any of the illnesses and medical problems approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). An estimated 750,000 people qualify for free medical care from the V.A. under the Janey Ensminger Act.

How long did the Marines know about the Camp Lejeune water contamination before the wells were closed?

The history of water contamination at Camp Lejeune is long and complicated. Leadership was aware of the water contamination for at least four years before the toxic wells were finally closed. Meanwhile, homes and workplaces, schools, daycares and the hospital all continued to utilize the toxic water.

Can I file a claim for Camp Lejeune water exposure for myself or a loved one?

At this time, no. A legal stipulation in North Carolina prevents victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination from filing a claim against the Marines due to the amount of time that has passed since the exposure. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, under consideration in both the House and Senate, would eliminate this roadblock, finally enabling countless victims and their loved ones to seek compensation for their pain, suffering and loss by filing a claim.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is an important piece of legislation under consideration in both the U.S. House (H.R. 2192) and Senate (S. 3176) that would remove barriers to justice for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. At this time, a stipulation in North Carolina state law prevents those harmed by Camp Lejeune water contamination from filing a claim because of the amount of time that has lapsed since the exposure. Should the Camp Lejeune Justice Act become law, victims and loved ones will be able to seek justice by filing a claim in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is passed, who will qualify to file a claim?

Any person who lived or worked on Camp Lejeune for at least thirty days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, who was exposed to the contaminated water sources at home, work, daycare or school, and developed one of the illnesses traced to Camp Lejeune water contamination may be eligible to make a claim.

How did the Camp Lejeune water supply become contaminated?

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is thought to have originated from three main sources: onsite facilities using chemicals to clean military gear; an off-site drycleaning facility; and a significant fuel leakage estimated at 800,000 gallons originating from underground fuel tanks on the base camp.

What chemicals were in Camp Lejeune water?

Seventy different chemicals were found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Most notably, water tests revealed the presence of benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene). The latter two are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) used for industrial and commercial cleaning. PCE is a drycleaning solvent and TCE is a degreaser. These and other chemicals found in Camp Lejeune water are known carcinogens and were found at levels 340 - 2400 times the safe exposure levels for humans.

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!