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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Facts
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Organizations that have studied water contamination at Camp Lejeune, such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others have linked exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to the development of various health issues, including cancer.
Camp Lejeune water contamination has been associated with an increased risk of brain cancer among military personnel and their families.
Particularly exposure to vinyl chloride, a main contaminant at Camp Lejeune, has been shown to increase risk factors for brain cancers.
Scientific evidence linking vinyl chloride to the increased risk for brain tumors and brain cancers include the following:
- American Journal of Industrial Medicine: An industry-wide epidemiologic study of vinyl chloride workers, 1942–1982
- Environmental Health Perspectives: Toxicity of vinyl chloride and poly(vinyl chloride): a critical review
- Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: Meta-analysis of studies of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride in relation to cancer mortality
- European Journal of Cancer Prevention: Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride and cancer risk
- Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Vinyl Chloride and Liver and Brain Cancer at a Polymer Production Plant in Louisville, Kentucky
- Environmental Health Perspectives: Vinyl Chloride: A Case Study of Data Suppression and Misrepresentation
Chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply have been directly linked to an increased risk of brain tumor symptoms and different types of brain cancer.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with brain and spinal cord cancer subsequent to being exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to join others in filing Camp Lejeune claims.
Contact TorHoerman Law for more information, or use the chat function on this page to find out if you qualify to take action.
About Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is a devastating disease affecting thousands of individuals worldwide yearly.
Brain cancer occurs when abnormal brain cells grow uncontrollably, forming malignant brain tumors that can interfere with essential brain functions.
The brain is a complex organ filled with specialized regions and cell types.
Among these are the glial cells, which provide support and insulation between neurons.
Gliomas, a common type of brain tumor, start in these glial cells.
In the depths of the brain lies the pineal gland, responsible for melatonin production, and the pituitary gland, the master gland controlling hormonal functions in the body.
Tumors can also arise in or near these glands, affecting their vital functions.
The brain is enveloped by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion and provides protection.
This fluid can potentially act as a pathway for tumor cells to spread to other areas of the central nervous system.
The brain’s nourishment and oxygen supply are primarily provided through blood vessels.
These vessels can sometimes be invaded or compressed by tumors, affecting their function and causing various symptoms.
Brain tumor cells can be benign (noncancerous brain tumors) or malignant (cancerous).
A malignant brain tumor, often referred to as a cancerous brain tumor, is the more severe form and can spread to other parts of the brain and to other areas of the body.
Brain tumor diagnosis often includes MRI, CT scans, biopsy, or a combination of all these methods.
Brain tumor symptoms can vary widely but may include:
- Persistent headaches (known as “brain tumor headaches”)
- Seizures
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Changes in vision or speech
Brain Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
While the exact causes of brain cancer remain a subject of ongoing research, several risk factors have been identified.
Genetic factors, exposure to ionizing radiation, and certain rare genetic syndromes are known to increase the risk of brain cancer.
However, an emerging concern is the role of environmental contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in developing brain cancer.
For several decades, military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune were unknowingly exposed to hazardous chemicals in their drinking water, including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Benzene
- And up to 70 other toxic chemicals
These chemicals are known carcinogens linked to various health issues, including brain cancer.
Although brain cancer or brain tumors are not on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of health conditions that have a presumptive service connection, there have been applications for VA health care benefits accepted.
These claims for VA health care benefits were accepted even before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law:
- Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Louisville, Kentucky (2016): “Entitlement to service connection for oligoastrocytoma, to include brain tumor.”
- Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Louisville, Kentucky (2018): “Entitlement to service connection for glioblastoma of the left temporal lobe, to include as due to exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, or by reason of being housebound.”
Brain Cancer Complications
Brain and spinal cord cancer can lead to numerous complications that significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
The severity of these complications often depends on the type, location, brain tumor symptoms, and stage of the brain tumor.
Some common complications of brain cancers and brain tumors include:
- Neurological deficits: Primary brain tumors can interfere with the brain’s normal functioning, leading to neurological deficits such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and memory problems.
- Seizures: Many brain cancer patients experience seizures, which can be frightening and disruptive to daily life.
- Cognitive impairment: Cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and problem-solving may be impaired, affecting a person’s ability to work and maintain relationships.
- Emotional and psychological challenges: Dealing with a brain cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles for both the patient and their loved ones.
