“EPA Not Doing Enough” Says Camp Lejeune Survivors

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned two chemicals associated with cancer. However, environmental activists and those impacted by toxic exposure are urging more comprehensive measures.

Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, a vocal advocate for addressing chemical contamination, emphasized the EPA’s need for additional support to combat “forever chemicals.” Speaking on NewsNation Prime, Ensminger highlighted the devastating impact of contamination at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

Tragic Legacy of Contamination

Ensminger’s advocacy stems from personal loss. His daughter, Janey, passed away from leukemia at just nine years old after exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The base’s water supply, used by military personnel and their families for decades, was tainted with harmful substances, leading to widespread health issues.

“There exists a long history of political interference supported by industry of blocking the EPA’s ability to protect the environment and public health,” Ensminger said. He further stressed, “The future of our children and the health of our country vastly outweighs the needs of the almighty dollar.”

Experts Highlight Gaps in EPA Enforcement

Scott Faber, senior vice president at the Environmental Working Group, echoed Ensminger’s concerns. In his interview with NewsNation Prime, Faber criticized the EPA for failing to halt the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals widely recognized as harmful.

“Unfortunately, the EPA is not turning off the tap of these chemicals from the polluters,” Faber stated. He underscored the long history of negligence, pointing out that companies were aware of the dangers posed by PFAS as early as the 1960s.

Faber also detailed how PFAS waste continues to affect communities. “Polluters… are continuing to allow these polluters to send their PFAS waste not only into our rivers but to our wastewater treatment plants, where they are then sold to farmers who unknowingly contaminate their fields.”

Camp Lejeune and the Push Against PFAS

The contamination at Camp Lejeune serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of insufficient regulatory action. For decades, those stationed at the base were exposed to water laced with harmful chemicals, including PFAS. These substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are known for their persistence in the environment and human body.

Advocates like Ensminger and Faber are pressing for stronger action, not just against PFAS but also against the systemic barriers preventing comprehensive environmental protection.

Broader Implications for Public Health

PFAS contamination is not limited to military bases. These chemicals are found in everyday products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. Their widespread use has resulted in detectable levels in the blood of most Americans.

The EPA’s recent ban on two cancer-causing chemicals marks progress, but critics argue it’s a small step in addressing the broader issue of chemical pollution. Without stricter regulations and enforcement, the burden of exposure may continue to fall disproportionately on vulnerable communities.

Solutions: Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners

To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like PFAS, reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners offer effective solutions. Reverse osmosis systems remove contaminants at the molecular level, while water conditioners improve overall water quality. These technologies provide practical ways to safeguard households from potential contaminants while regulatory agencies work on larger-scale solutions.

Source: Newsnation