Microcephaly Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune
Microcephaly is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally small head circumference in infants or children compared to the typical head size for their age and sex.
Recent studies — particularly studies published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) — showed that the toxic substances at Camp Lejeune affect fetal development.
Unborn babies were exposed to harmful chemicals that caused an array of issues, including neural tube defects (NTDs), oral clefts, childhood hematopoietic cancers, and microcephaly.
About Microcephaly
Microcephaly is often associated with underdeveloped brains and can lead to various developmental and intellectual disabilities.
To diagnose microcephaly, healthcare providers typically measure the circumference of the baby’s head during routine check-ups.
The condition can be detected when the head circumference falls below a certain threshold, which is determined by comparing it to standard growth charts.
Microcephaly is a rare disease, with the exception of increased rates that occurred subsequent to the 2015-2016 Zika virus outbreak.
The pathogen resulted in an uptick in microcephaly cases after many pregnant women were infected:
- Today, only 12 per 10,000 babies have microcephaly at birth in the United States.
- One (1) in every 30,000 to 250,000 live births has microcephaly at birth in the rest of the world.
Microcephaly and Its Causes
Most medical experts believe that microcephaly is caused by an array of factors.
Causes of microcephaly include:
- Genetic factors: inherited disorders and abnormalities
- Developmental factors: diseases, infections, and lapses in prenatal care
- Environmental factors: exposure to toxic substances, such as the water at Camp Lejeune
Genetic Factors
Some cases of microcephaly are caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities.
These can be inherited from one or both parents or occur spontaneously during development.
Certain genetic syndromes — such as Down syndrome or Rett syndrome — can also be associated with microcephaly.
Developmental Factors
Microcephaly can result from disruptions in the early stages of fetal brain development.
Factors such as maternal malnutrition, exposure to infections, or inadequate prenatal care can affect the development of the fetal brain, leading to microcephaly.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins or teratogens during pregnancy can increase the risk of microcephaly.
These toxins may include alcohol, certain drugs, and chemicals.
For example, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is known to cause microcephaly in babies born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy.
The contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune belongs under the environmental factors umbrella.
The North Carolina Marine Corps base was the site of significant environmental contamination involving several hazardous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), which are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These toxins not only affected Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members, but the unborn children may have developed health issues as well.
The link between toxic water at Camp Lejeune and microcephaly and other birth defects is visible in the following publications:
Microcephaly Complications
Babies born with microcephaly may face various complications and challenges, depending on the severity of their condition.
Challenges for children diagnosed with microcephaly may include:
- Developmental Delays: Microcephaly is often associated with developmental delays, including delays in motor skills, speech and language development, and cognitive abilities.
- Intellectual Disabilities: Many children with microcephaly experience intellectual disabilities that can range from mild to severe.
- Seizures: Some individuals with microcephaly may develop epilepsy and experience recurrent seizures.
- Motor Impairments: Physical coordination and motor skills can be affected, leading to difficulties with activities such as walking and fine motor tasks.
- Shortened Lifespan: In severe cases where microcephaly is associated with severe brain abnormalities, it can lead to a significantly shortened lifespan.
What Other Health Conditions Has Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Been Linked To?
The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.
Health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include, but are not limited to:
Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions, and for years they could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on the coast of North Carolina was the site of rampant water contamination for over 30 years.
Between 1953 and 1987, military service members, their family members, civilian workers, and others who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune were exposed to a number of toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune residents have suffered from debilitating health conditions for decades, and many people have died as a result of medical conditions subsequent to exposure.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, signed into law in August 2022, provides a new pathway to justice for people exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows those exposed for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 to file administrative compensation claims.
If a qualifying military service member, family member, or other does not have their administrative claim adjudicated within 6 months of submission, they may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers will help you identify the best course of action regarding the administrative claims process and the Camp Lejeune litigation.
Filing Camp Lejeune administrative claims serves several purposes:
- Compensation for Health Effects: One of the primary reasons for filing Camp Lejeune settlements is to seek reparation for the health effects and medical expenses incurred as a result of exposure to contaminated water.
- Accountability and Transparency: Filing claims can also be a way to hold responsible parties accountable for the contamination. It can help shed light on the extent of the contamination and the actions (or inaction) taken by the U.S. government or other parties involved.
- Advocating for Affected Communities: The legal actions associated with Camp Lejeune can also serve as a means of advocating for the rights and well-being of the affected communities, including active duty members, National Guard members, veterans, and their families.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim.
Contact TorHoerman Law’s Camp Lejeune Lawyers for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was primarily caused by the improper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals on the base.
The contamination was linked to activities that occurred over several decades, including industrial and military operations.
Underground fuel storage tanks also deteriorated over time, leading to leaks that allowed contaminants to enter the groundwater.
There is also the matter of improper disposal of cleaning solutions from an off-base dry cleaner.
The chemicals from these strong solvents also seeped into the groundwater and wells.
What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?
Several toxic substances were found in the water at Camp Lejeune.
These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include:
- TCE and PCE: These compounds — used in solvents and degreasers — are known to be carcinogenic and have been linked to various adverse health effects, including neurological and developmental issues, as well as certain cancers.
- Benzene: Benzene is a highly toxic chemical that can be found in industrial processes and is also a component of gasoline. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood disorders.
- Other Contaminants: In addition to the above, other contaminants such as VOCs and heavy metals were also detected in the water at Camp Lejeune, further compounding the health risks associated with the contamination.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 — signed into law by President Biden in August of that year — is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing the concerns of individuals impacted by contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
This law was encompassed by the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
Under the provisions of this law, military personnel and their family members affected by the water contamination can gain access to various health care benefits, including VA health care benefits.
Additionally, they may be eligible for compensation for injuries and damages they have sustained.
To access these, Camp Lejeune victims must file compensation claims and prove that their injuries are directly linked to the contaminated drinking water.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is the first piece of legislation to comprehensively address Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and its subsequent health effects.
Previous legislations, such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act, attempted to exact legislative change for Camp Lejeune victims, but failed to deliver a comprehensive change to laws and regulations that allow victims to seek justice and compensation.
Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim for Microcephaly?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act requires plaintiffs to have lived or worked for at least 30 days at the North Carolina Marine Corps Base.
This requirement applies to unborn and newborn children of families.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.
Qualified law firms can help Camp Lejeune victims seek justice and compensation.
Contact our team of experienced Camp Lejeune Lawyers for insight and advice on your situation.
Experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys can help victims complete the steps necessary to filing claims and getting compensated, such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.
Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims
To pursue Camp Lejeune lawsuits successfully, individuals typically need to provide specific types of evidence to establish a clear link between their health conditions and their exposure to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Evidence for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claims may include:
- Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
- Military service records indicating dates and locations served
- Medical records and diagnoses
- Medical bills
- Travel records
- Health care information
- Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits
Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims
Compensation may be sought for various types of damages and losses that individuals and their families have experienced as a result of exposure to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim may include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
- Permanent disability compensation
TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers
TorHoerman Law has been at the forefront of Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
Over the years, we’ve handled similar toxic tort cases and have helped many clients seek justice.
We can help you pursue monetary compensation for your injuries in the administrative claims process, and represent you during Camp Lejeune litigation proceedings if necessary.
If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water supplies at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.
Contact us for a free consultation.
Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.
Trust us to fight for your rights and bring you the justice you deserve.
Reach out to our law firm for more information and with any questions you may have about the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
We’re here to help.
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