The contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water is considered to be one of the largest reported water contamination issues in US history with a pretty convoluted background.

Between 1953 and 1987, individuals living at or working at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were likely exposed to water supplies that were contaminated with benzene, industrial solvents, and many other toxic chemicals.

They consumed it, bathed in it, and, what’s even more frightening, were generally just near these toxic chemicals for many years.

If you want to find out more about which toxic chemicals were found in Camp Lejeune’s water, this article will provide all the information you need.

What Is Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune is a huge Marine Corps Base that can be found in North Carolina. It was established in 1942 and has remained the home of the US Marine Corps ever since, in addition to the Coast Guard and Navy commands.

In addition to the New River Air Station, Camp Lejeune includes training camps, satellite camps, and lots of housing for military personnel and their families — all across nearly 156,000 acres of land and water. 

Nowadays, the camp has a population of over 34,000.

The Discovery of Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water

In 1982, testing confirmed that two of Camp Lejeune’s water supply systems were contaminated with several toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (also called VOCs). It was later revealed that the contamination of the water began in the 1950s. 

These water supply systems provided drinking water to many unmarried military personnel, the loved ones of all enlisted Marines, administrative-based offices, recreational areas, and local schools.

If you or a loved one have experienced long-term effects caused by exposure to the water exposure at Camp Lejeune, you should contact a trustworthy law office such as TruLaw to start your case and claim the compensation you deserve.

How Did the Contamination Occur?

The Camp Lejeune water contamination entered water systems through groundwater and was later discovered to be from multiple different sources. One of which was an off-base dry cleaner.

This company used inappropriate waste disposal practices which were considered the primary reason for PCE contamination at Tarawa Terrace and TCE contamination at Hadnot Point. These are still considered to be the two most affected water supply systems at the time.

This caused chemicals to leak into the groundwater and wells and then moved into the treatment plant. Additionally, on-base leaks and spills are also known as contributors to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. 

The supply wells found in both of the systems then went on to feed this groundwater to the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace water supply systems and nearby treatment plants. 

Which Toxic Chemicals Were Found In Camp Lejeune’s Water?

Several toxic substances like cleaning solvents and manufacturing chemicals were discovered to have slowly leaked directly into underground storage tanks, water treatment plants, and additional water supply systems that actively served Camp Lejeune at the time.

Routine testing that was conducted at supply wells and water treatment plants quickly identified several key toxic chemicals. 

These toxic chemicals are considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can easily evaporate and are commonly used as fuels and solvents.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

TCE is a common chemical solvent that is used as an agent to thoroughly clean metal equipment during the manufacturing process. TCE has been noted as the primary cause of health issues for those who ingested the contaminated water.

Perchloroethylene (PCE)

PCE is typically used as a metal degreaser by many manufacturing companies and as part of multiple dry-cleaning processes. It was found in high concentrations on the Camp Lejeune base.

Vinyl Chloride (VC)

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that is man-made to produce many variations of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is used in many plastic products like packing materials and pipes. VC is also a combustion product and was exposed to those living at the base via inhalation.

Benzene

This is a colorless liquid that is most often used to make other industrial chemicals that are then used in the manufacturing of materials including resins, plastics, synthetic fibers, and nylon. 

Benzene is colorless meaning Camp Lejeune’s inhabitants wouldn’t have noticed it, or know that they were drinking contaminated water.

Summary

Fortunately, all contaminated wells were closed by 1985. This meant nobody else was exposed to TCE, PCE, VC, and Benzene at Camp Lejeune from this point on. Nowadays, the base makes sure to disclose the results of the water testing to all residents.