CDC study links Camp Lejeune water to various cancers
Servicemen at Camp Lejeune Exposed to Increased Cancer Risk, Study Finds
Health officials announced on Wednesday that servicemen stationed at Camp Lejeune marine base from 1975 to 1985 faced a higher risk of cancer compared to other military bases in the United States.
A highly anticipated study compared military personnel who worked at Camp Lejeune with those who did not, revealing alarming cancer rates among those stationed at the North Carolina base.
The research linked the contaminated water at Lejeune to various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, lung, breast, throat, and thyroid cancer. Additionally, the contaminants were found to contribute to neurobehavioral issues and female infertility.
Legal Action and Environmental Negligence
This study comes on the heels of a North Carolina judge expressing openness to the first Camp Lejeune trial as early as April. The focus of the court arguments revolves around determining who became ill after living and working at the base.
In 1982, the Marine Corps discovered toxic compounds in the drinking water from two of the eight water treatment plants on site. The contamination was attributed to waste disposal from an off-base dry cleaner, leaking storage tanks, and spills in the industrial area.
One of the contaminants identified was benzene, a chemical commonly used in the production of plastics, nylon, resin, and synthetic fibers.
Delayed Regulations and Impact on Families
According to the Centers for Disease Control, volatile organic compounds in the toxic water were supplied to most family housing units, schools, hospitals, and offices from 1957 until 1982. Federal environmental regulations for these chemicals were not finalized until 1989, by which time most contaminated wells had already been closed in 1985.
When comparing personnel from Camp Lejeune to those stationed at California’s Camp Pendleton from 1975 to 1985, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that while common cancers were similar among both groups, distinct types of cancer were more prevalent among those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune.
Justice for the Affected
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to provide assistance to those impacted by the water contamination.
What were the specific types of cancer that showed higher rates of occurrence among veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune?
D at the base. The research, conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), examined the health records of over 150,000 military personnel who served at the base during the specified period.
The findings of the study were concerning, indicating that veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the specified timeframe were significantly more likely to develop certain types of cancer compared to their counterparts based at other military installations across the country. The types of cancer that showed higher rates of occurrence included leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and kidney cancer.
These results corroborate previous research that has suggested a link between exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune and adverse health outcomes. Between the 1950s and 1980s, the base’s water supply was contaminated with various hazardous substances, including industrial solvents and fuel additives. This exposure was due to a combination of leaks, spills, and improper waste disposal practices.
The contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune was a particularly unfortunate situation, as it affected not only military personnel stationed at the base but also their families who lived on the premises. Civilians who resided at the base during the designated period also faced an increased risk of developing cancer and other health problems.
The study’s results highlight the long-term consequences of exposure to such toxic contaminants. It is alarming to think that those who dedicated their lives to serving the country and protecting their fellow citizens may have unwittingly put their own health at risk. The implications of these findings extend beyond just the individuals directly affected; they also raise broader questions about the responsibility of the military and government agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of their servicemen and their families.
In response to the study’s findings, health officials and veterans’ advocates are calling for increased support and resources for those affected. Efforts to provide adequate healthcare and compensation for affected servicemen and their families are crucial and must be prioritized. Additionally, steps need to be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Comprehensive monitoring and regular testing of water supplies in military installations should become standard practice to ensure the well-being of military personnel and their communities.
The study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and the potential toll it can take on their health. The brave men and women who serve our country deserve our utmost support and care, especially in the face of such devastating risks. It is imperative that we work collectively to address this issue, provide the necessary resources, and ensure the well-being of our servicemen and women both during and after their time in active duty.
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