Update: Class Action Lawsuit Review
Select Justice are reviewing cases of individuals and families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. If you either lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from 1954 to 1987 and have been affected, follow this link to see if you are subject to compensation: Select Justice Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Compensation Free Compensation Eligibility Check
Original Article:
8/18/2023 – Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps training facility in North Carolina, became the epicenter of one of the largest water contamination cases in U.S. history. Between 1953 and 1987, up to 1 million individuals were exposed to harmful chemicals in the base’s water supply. This lead to devastating health consequences, including cancers, birth defects, miscarriages, and stillbirths. This article delves into the struggle for justice faced by the victims and the broader implications of water contamination.
The Heartbreaking Reality at Camp Lejeune
Jeri Kozobarich’s arrival at Camp Lejeune in 1969 marked the beginning of a nightmare. Pregnant and hopeful, she quickly encountered the grim reality of the base’s water contamination through personal loss. Similar stories of miscarriages and stillbirths among women at the base revealed a disturbing pattern. A pattern that was met with silence and inaction from military leadership.
The water at Camp Lejeune was found to be contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene. These chemicals, originating from a nearby dry-cleaning facility and leaking underground storage tanks, are known carcinogens and teratogens. These chemicals are capable of causing severe health issues.
The Fight for Justice
The enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act aimed to facilitate litigation for victims. Many, like LaVeda Kendrix, a Marine veteran experienced stillbirth and miscarriages. Proving a direct link between the water contamination and their health issues proved to be an uphill battle.
Military leaders were alerted to the water contamination as early as 1980 but failed to act decisively. This delay in response, coupled with the reluctance to acknowledge the extent of the contamination. This exemplifies a failure of leadership and a disregard for the health and well-being of service members and their families.
The Impact on Families
For victims like Jeri Kozobarich, the pain of losing a child to water contamination is a lifelong burden. The emotional toll of these losses, compounded by the struggle for recognition and justice, highlights the human cost of environmental negligence.
Despite the clear evidence of harm, many victims feel dismissed and invisible as they navigate the legal system. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, while a step forward, has not fully bridged the gap between suffering and compensation.
The Science of Exposure
Exposure to the contaminants found at Camp Lejeune, even for short periods, has been linked to a range of health issues. The science behind these links is complex, involving factors such as the duration of exposure and the specific health outcomes examined.
Proving causation in cases of water contamination is fraught with difficulty. The prevalence of conditions like miscarriages and birth defects in the general population complicates the task of linking specific cases to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The saga of Camp Lejeune is a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental neglect and the importance of vigilance in protecting public health. For the families affected, the battle for justice continues, underscored by a collective determination to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
The tragedy at Camp Lejeune underscores the importance of clean water and the potential health risks posed by contaminated supplies. Technologies such as reverse osmosis filtration and whole home water conditioners offer solutions for removing harmful contaminants from drinking water, providing a layer of protection against similar health risks.