If you used to work at Camp Lejeune and are suffering from a dangerous health condition right now, you may be a victim of its toxic water. Scientific research results showed the presence of toxins in the drinking water. If you were a part of the situation, it is important to know what these toxins are to understand how they may affect you.
Two water wells on the military base of Camp Lejeune were shut down in 1985. You may have the question, “What years was the water contaminated at Camp Lejeune?” The contaminants were present from August 1953 through December 1987 and affected millions of people.
List of contaminants found in Camp Lejeune
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a colorless chemical that does not occur naturally and is manufactured by humans to create other materials. This substance is commonly used to make household items like paint removers, tool cleaners, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaners, etc. commercial dry cleaners use TCE as a spot remover.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to TCE can cause kidney cancer in humans. Other medical research suggests that the same chemical is also linked with liver cancer.
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is another man-made chemical widely used for fabric cleaning and metal degreasing operations. High levels and prolonged exposure to this chemical can cause kidney dysfunction, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, and neurobiological effects.
Some of the more serious effects of PCE are that it can hurt your kidney, liver, immune system, and hematologic system. Studies have shown that people who come in contact with this chemical in their workplace on a daily basis show risks of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
- Benzene.
Benzene is a colorless chemical that is found both naturally and through human operations. It is used to make rubbers, lubricants, detergents, drugs, pesticides, and dyes. When you come in contact with benzene, it causes your cells to stop working properly. For example, it can prevent your bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells.
Some symptoms of benzene exposure may include tremors, unconsciousness, drowsiness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and even death in extreme cases.
- Vinyl Chloride.
Vinyl Chloride is a colorless gas and is mainly produced for industrial and commercial uses. It is used to make packaging materials, wire and pipe coatings, and pipes as well. Exposure to the chemical has been linked with several types of cancer, including brain, liver, and lung.
While people are primarily exposed to Vinyl Chloride through inhalation, it can easily enter household settings and mix with the water.
