What Diseases Are Associated With Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Camp Lejeune a United States Marine Corps base located in North Carolina was found to have contaminated drinking water from the 1950s through the 1980s. The problem resulted from industrial contaminants such as benzene trichloroethylene (TCE) perchloroethylene (PCE) that were leaked into the groundwater. As many as one million people were exposed to the contaminated water as a result several diseases are associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease that affects breast cells it is often caused by exposure to environmental toxins. The research suggests that exposure to benzene other chemicals in drinking water can increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who lived on the base consumed contaminated water are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects bone marrow blood cell count. Exposure to TCE PCE found in the water can cause leukemia since it damages DNA the immune system.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This disease is caused by exposure to benzene found in the contaminated water. It damages the DNA immune system making it harder for the body to fight against such diseases.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease that affects the bladder lining it is often caused by exposure to industrial chemicals. TCE a chemical found in the water can increase the risk of bladder cancer by damaging the DNA affecting cell growth.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is another disease that can occur due to exposure to PCE found in the contaminated water. PCE has been linked to renal cell carcinoma kidney cancer that starts in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney.

Final Thoughts

The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has had a long-lasting impact on people’s health the number of cases of diseases associated with the contamination continues to rise. If you lived on Camp Lejeune between 1950 1987 you could have been exposed to contaminated water you should consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms of these diseases. Additionally if you haven’t been tested for these diseases or cancers you should get tested as soon as possible as early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Overall it’s essential to stay informed about the health risks associated with environmental pollutants to contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

References:

1. ATSDR. (n.d.). Camp Lejeune Community Exposure. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/civilianexposure.html

2. Cancer.gov. (n.d.). Cancer Clusters. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters

3. Washington Post. (2017 August 15). The Tap Water Poisoned A Marine Corps Base And The Government Knew For Decades. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/08/15/the-tap-water-poisoned-a-marine-corps-base-and-the-government-knew-for-decades/