Extensive Tooth Decay Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Tooth decay — a pervasive dental issue affecting individuals of all ages — is more than just a nuisance.

Tooth decay can lead to significant oral health problems and even affect one’s overall well-being.

In some unfortunate cases, tooth decay can be traced back to unexpected sources, such as contaminated drinking water.

Several studies have shown a link between this oral health issue and the water at Camp Lejeune.

Research by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and other bodies has discussed how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances can affect the body in several ways, including the development of tooth decay.

If you or a loved one developed extensive tooth decay after being exposed to contamination at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify to join others filing Camp Lejeune Lawsuits today.

About Extensive Tooth Decay from Water Contamination

Tooth decay — commonly known as dental caries or cavities — is the deterioration of tooth enamel due to a combination of factors.

This process begins when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the protective outer layer of the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities or holes in the teeth.

Most people associate tooth decay with bad oral hygiene and consuming sweet or sugary foods.

Extensive tooth decay can be the symptom of more systemic issues as well, like auto-immune problems and heart disease.

Today, around 90% of adults have some degree of tooth decay.

The number is much lower in children, with only over half of U.S. kids having this issue.

Extensive tooth decay subsequent to exposure to toxic chemicals is another concern.

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune may increase the risk for extensive tooth decay in those who drank or bathed in the contaminated water supply.

Extensive Tooth Decay and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

As seen in the case of Camp Lejeune, exposure to contaminants like TCE and PCE can accelerate tooth decay.

This link has been found based on research studies such as the following:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: A Summary of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Study Design and Results
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): Autoimmune Potential of Perchloroethylene: Role of Lipid-derived Aldehydes

Camp Lejeune victims are at a much higher risk of developing tooth decay due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Children, in particular, needed more dental appointments, extractions, and other dental procedures compared to those who weren’t Camp Lejeune residents.

Tooth Decay Complications

Extensive tooth decay is a serious issue with potentially severe consequences.

Left unchecked, extensive tooth decay can result in:

• Toothache: Cavities can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat and perform daily activities.
• Infections: Untreated decay can lead to infections that may spread to the jawbone or surrounding tissues. In the worst-case scenario, this could escalate into sepsis, which can be fatal.
• Tooth Loss: Severe decay may result in tooth loss, impacting a person’s ability to chew and speak effectively.
• Gum Disease: Tooth decay can contribute to gum disease, which can lead to further oral health issues. There’s also the danger of cardiovascular problems stemming from periodontal disease.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Decay can also affect the appearance of your smile, which can impact self-esteem and confidence.

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.

Many Camp Lejeune victims have dealt with multiple health conditions after being exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply.

Health problems linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include, but are not limited to:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Renal toxicity
• Multiple myeloma
• Other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Miscarriage, infertility and birth defects
• Many more diagnoses

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

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a complex legal battle that emerged as a result of the decades-long exposure of military personnel, their families, and residents living in and around Camp Lejeune to contaminated drinking water.

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune spanned from the 1950s through the 1980s.

For decades, victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination were offered little to no support.

It wasn’t until the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that qualifying veterans, their family members, civilian workers, and others exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune were able to seek justice.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act introduced an administrative claims process that allows victims to file compensation claims for the illnesses and related damages suffered due to exposure to contamination at Camp Lejeune.

While the Camp Lejeune administrative claims may vary for each claimant, these claims generally revolve around seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the exposure.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuits also aim to shed light on the critical importance of access to clean and safe drinking water and the legal avenues available for those who have been harmed by environmental contamination.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Camp Lejeune lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The contamination of the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was primarily caused by the improper disposal of hazardous chemicals used on the base.

Over the years, various toxic chemicals were disposed of in a manner that allowed them to seep into the groundwater and eventually contaminate the base’s drinking water supply.

Additionally, leaks, spills, and storage practices at the base’s industrial areas further may have contributed to the contamination problem.

These improper practices — combined with a lack of awareness about the dangers of these chemicals at the time — led to long-term exposure for Camp Lejeune veterans, active members, and their families.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

The Camp Lejeune water supply was found to be contaminated with a range of toxic substances, with TCE and PCE being the most prominent.

These VOCs are known to have detrimental health effects when ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Other contaminants found in the water supply included benzene, vinyl chloride, and various heavy metals.

These substances are associated with serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of various cancers, birth defects, and dental issues like extensive tooth decay.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law by President Biden in 2022 as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act.

This piece of legislation is meant to help former Camp Lejeune residents seek the justice they deserve.

Through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can file administrative claims for compensation through the Navy JAG.

If a victim’s claim is not adjudicated by the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit within 6 months, they may be eligible to pursue litigation and file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims might also gain access to new health care benefits, such as Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act builds off of previous pressure to compensate victims, such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim?

According to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the main requirement is that someone must have lived or worked for at least 30 days at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune during the contamination period (1953-1987).

If you or a loved one were exposed to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to take action and file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.

Contact experienced law firms for more insight and information.

The Camp Lejeune lawyers at TorHoerman Law offer free consultations.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers will have the knowledge and expertise to help you throughout the legal process, completing steps such as gathering evidence and assessing damages related to your Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering substantial evidence is a critical step for individuals seeking compensation or assistance for health issues related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

To support a claim, you should begin by compiling relevant documents and medical records.

These may include proof of residency at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, military service records, and any available medical records detailing diagnoses and treatment for health conditions linked to the exposure.

Additionally, it is essential to keep a thorough record of personal experiences and any correspondence related to the contamination issue, such as notices or communication from authorities.

Witness testimonies from fellow residents or military personnel who can attest to the presence of contaminated water can also bolster the case.

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims.

If a plaintiff wins in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, they may be entitled to recover various types of damages as compensation for the harm they have suffered.

These damages can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical costs related to treating health conditions resulting from exposure to contaminated water, including dental treatment for extensive tooth decay
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of health issues caused by water contamination
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to health-related issues, including recovery time or disability resulting from exposure
• Wrongful Death: Where exposure leads to a fatality; surviving family members may seek compensation for the loss of their loved one, including funeral and burial expenses

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

For those who are considering filing Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits, we are the team to trust.

We have worked on many toxic tort cases in the past, helping many victims get monetary reparation for the damages they suffered.

We are at the forefront of these water contamination cases, and we are ready to represent you in the court of law.

Contact us today to learn if you are eligible to file a claim.

Use the chatbot on this page to learn immediately if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.