Lifestyle
How Has the Toxic Camp Lejeune Waters Affected Women?

Think of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base, and you will automatically be reminded of the contaminated waters that led to life-threatening diseases for the veterans and their families. Today, ample scientific research has been conducted on the immediate health effects resulting from toxic waters. Research has revealed that women have been majorly affected by breast cancer and other birth defects.
According to NBC News, in September 2023, 1 million people and women who worked or resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 fell prey to the polluted drinking water. The government admits that some chronic health hazards include miscarriage and female infertility, as well.
In their conversation with several marines and military wives, NBC News discovered that women suffered during their pregnancy and gave birth to stillborn children. These women reported nobody was considered responsible for their loss.
In this article, we will look into the link between toxic waters at the Marine Corps and women’s health issues. Additionally, we will also discuss what affected women can do to get compensated for their losses.
Link Between Birth Defects and Harmful Camp Lejeune Waters
The polluted waters at Camp Lejeune had been unkind to the women population residing and working in the region. TorHoerman Law states that it led to conditions like stomach cancer and ovarian cancer other than miscarriage, birth injury, and defects. Today, the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) is conducting other health studies of chronic ailments and cancers caused by the toxic waters.
Of the studies that have been already done, the most authoritative one is the ‘ATSDR Birth Defects and Childhood Cancer Study’, published in 2014. This study evaluated health information collected from 12,598 kids with prenatal exposure to polluted water. These kids were born to women who either worked or stayed at Camp Lejeune between 1968 and 1985. During this time, the contamination was at its peak.
The studies made use of historical water pollution modeling to assess the frequency of in-utero chemical exposure for kids. The study concluded that pregnant women exposed to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune are at risk of birth defects. Babies born under such circumstances might suffer from neural tube birth defects, such as anencephaly and spina bifida. The study also came across increased oral cleft defects in babies born in this region.
Link Between Breast Cancer and Toxic Camp Lejeune Waters
Women who have been exposed to the waters at Camp Lejeune developed breast cancer during the contamination phase. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. Of the many types that are present, invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are more prevalent. The disease begins when cells present in the breast grow uncontrollably. Typically, these cells develop into a tumor that can feel akin to a lump.
As the disease progresses, the breast cancer cells might invade nearby tissues and spread to various body parts through lymph systems and the blood. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), two major on-base water wells were the main reasons that led to water pollution. Both wells contained various toxic chemicals, a few that caused breast cancer are:
- Benzene Vinyl chloride
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Trans-1 Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trans-1 Dichloroethylene (DCE)
Reports suggest that by 1985, the contamination became visible, which compelled authorities to shut down the water wells. The source of this fatal contamination was the presence of a local dry-cleaning unit located outside the base. Due to improper and careless disposal methods, the hazardous chemicals got mixed with the water supply. As a result, civilian workers, military personnel, and women in this region were exposed to these harmful toxins.
Is A Legal Solution Available?
Women in Camp Lejeune who have suffered from ovarian cancer, miscarriage, or any other health issues due to the toxic water exposure should file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. And this is possible under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was enforced in August 2022. It is a huge step that qualifies workers, service members, and women affected in the region to recover disability compensation for their ailments.
However, this journey will require women to get in touch with an ace lawyer to use their know-how, expertise, and guidance to navigate the legal path correctly. Working in cooperation with a lawyer is essential for receiving justice and fair compensation. The lawyer can aid in gathering essential evidence and using it to develop a strong case that ensures the court issues a verdict in the victim’s favor.
Summing up, several women have suffered from the hazardous Camp Lejeune waters and weren’t compensated for their physical ailments and emotional trauma. Women must note their ailments and keep a medical record of them so that they can file a lawsuit and get compensated for their losses. Additionally, it helps to raise awareness that encourages other women to speak about their sufferings too.