How the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Helps Those Affected by the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
Author: Jay D. Miller, esquire
Peter Angelos Law
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is new – it was enacted to help compensate veterans and their families that were poisoned by the toxic water supply at Camp Lejeune from 1953 thru 1987. We have learned that the dumping of a dry-cleaning chemical known as TCE1 was the source of the original contamination. This chemical was not disposed of safely but instead was dumped into the ground without any regard for its long-term effects on people. This toxic chemical was allowed to seep into the ground – thus, the chemical found its way into the underground water wells. These wells were the only source of the drinking water supply being utilized by Camp Lejeune and potentially Camp Geiger which also experienced water contamination.
Was There Also Water Contamination at Camp Geiger?
Many veterans who were stationed at Camp Geiger could have been poisoned by this same contaminated water supply. Although Camp Geiger was on the outskirts of Camp Lejeune, it was supplied water by the same contaminated water wells that supplied Camp Lejeune and are included in the claims and benefits that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, however, has left veterans with questions. For example, were they spared damage because they rarely drank the water? Studies have been conducted that have revealed long-term damage to people that used it for bathing and for washing clothes. While some thought they needed to bathe in the water to be affected, the study of the toxins has shown that a hot shower may have caused a much worse exposure to the water’s toxic chemicals. The steam from the shower opens the pores in the skin and allows for easier entry for the toxic chemicals through the skin. If you think of how a medication patch that is placed on the arm administers medication through skin absorption as an example, that will give one an idea of how the toxic chemicals were able to absorb into the system and affect a person showering in this water.
In addition to the toxic chemical TCE, dangerously high levels of other carcinogenic toxins were discovered in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. They include Perchloroethylene – known as PCE
2 as well as Benzene3. Additionally, high levels of Mercury4 were also discovered, thus poisoning the water. TCE, PCE and Benzene are all linked to extremely aggressive forms of cancer, and Mercury can lead to brutal neurological and mental issues.
What is the best course of action for a veteran or a family member that has learned that they have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer, Breast cancer, Kidney or Bladder cancer, Lung cancer, Multiple myeloma, Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Scleroderma, Myelodysplastic syndrome, or Renal Toxicity?
Contact the environmental litigation lawyers at Peter Angelos Law who have already represented hundreds of veterans suffering from hearing loss due to the use of defective 3M combat earplugs.
Unfortunately, the list of cancers continues to grow. Even if you have been diagnosed with cancer that is not on the list or if you or your child have suffered or developed a birth defect, call the attorneys at Peter Angelos Law. We are dedicated to helping veterans affected by this deadly water contamination at Camp Geiger and Camp Lejeune.
Our environmental litigation attorneys assume that you have already been bombarded with television commercials promising you certain financial results. We do not intend to be a part of that false advertising. Rather, we will supply you with the facts you need so you can make the most informed decision possible for you and your family. We do promise to do whatever it takes to make sure you receive the best legal representation you can get as well as making sure you have access to the best medical care providers available for your disease.
Contact our environmental litigation lawyers today to learn more about how our team at Peter Angelos Law can help you and your loved ones.
- Trichloroethylene – TCE is used in household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers, spray adhesives, and carpet cleaners and spot removers. Commercial dry cleaners also use trichloroethylene as a spot remover.
- Perchloroethylene – PCE is a toxic colorless volatile solvent used commonly as a dry-cleaning fluid
- Benzene is a colorless, volatile, liquid hydrocarbon present in coal tar and petroleum and used in chemical synthesis. Its use as a solvent has been reduced because of its carcinogenic properties
- Mercury is toxic and harmful to the human body. Mercury poisoning occurs when you expose yourself to too much mercury and your body reacts negatively to the compound. Once inside your body, mercury travels to your heart, central nervous system, and kidneys.