Camp Lejeune is a popular military installation in North Carolina that has been the site of repeated water contamination scandals from 1953 to 1987. The United States Marine Corps initially failed to disclose the problem, but following a series of articles by journalists who exposed the problem to the public, the government was forced to issue a public apology.
Over one million people were unknowingly exposed to toxic contaminants while stationed at Camp Lejeune, many of whom suffered health complications as a result. Here are just some of the harmful toxins present and the effects of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Benzene
Benzene is an organic chemical compound that is poisonous to humans when ingested or inhaled in large amounts. It can cause anemia, damage to the bone marrow, kidney damage, and cancer of the blood, lungs, liver, or stomach. Exposure to benzene can occur in many occupational settings, including factories where gasoline is produced or stored, coal mines where coal is processed, and military bases where chemicals are used in the manufacturing of munitions.
However, the most common source of exposure is drinking water contaminated with benzene as a result of the illegal dumping of hazardous wastes. Contaminated water supplies are especially common in developing countries with poor sanitation facilities that are unable to effectively treat sewage before it is released into the environment.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water suppliers to test their water for benzene and other contaminants to ensure that it is safe for human consumption. Leaks from underground storage tanks are another common source of benzene contamination.
TCE
Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon used as a solvent for paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, and cleaning agents. It is also used in the production of refrigerants and as a dechlorinating agent to remove chlorine from drinking water. Exposure to TCE can cause anemia, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, kidney failure, seizures, dizziness, eye irritation, and unconsciousness.
It is a known carcinogen that can interfere with hormonal function and cause birth defects in the developing fetus. It is also highly flammable and can be lethal if inhaled. The chemical was originally marketed as a non-toxic alternative to trichloromethane, but we now know that TCE is just as dangerous.
PCE
Perchloroethylene is another organic chemical compound that is used primarily as an organic solvent. It is commonly used in dry cleaning shops and printing companies. It is also used to make other solvents, such as tetrachloroethylene and methylene chloride.
The EPA has classified perchloroethylene as a probable human carcinogen that can cause cancer and liver damage. It has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. Studies have shown that it can also cause hearing loss and neurological damage.
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world. It is used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics for use in plumbing and electrical fixtures, furniture, packaging, medical devices, and packaging materials.
It can also be used to make plastic tubing and wire insulation. Exposure to vinyl chloride has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies in children. It can also cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidney, heart, and lungs. It has also been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Legal Options
Hiring an attorney is one of the best things you can do to protect your legal rights if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party. Your attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on your recovery without having to worry about how you’re going to make ends meet while you recover.
Hiring a personal injury attorney is particularly important if your injuries were caused by a toxic substance. This is because certain laws apply specifically to cases involving toxic chemicals and dangerous products. An attorney with experience handling these types of cases will be able to help you get the maximum compensation available under the law for your injuries. Find latest settlement details here.
Conclusion
A personal injury can be devastating for any family, especially when the injuries are caused by a negligent party or company. However, by hiring a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury cases involving dangerous chemicals and products, you will get the compensation you need to heal and get your life back on track.
