Symptoms of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 finally allows those affected by this tragedy to seek justice. The Ferraro Law Firm is dedicated to helping military veterans, their families, and civilians who served our country at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, receive the compensation they deserve. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with severe illnesses and are here to provide support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.

Diseases & Symptoms Of Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been proven to lead to various diseases and conditions, but not all of them are currently being adequately assessed. Nonetheless, medical experts continue their research to uncover the terrible effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Each illness connected to water contamination deserves equal restitution, which is why The Ferraro Law Firm continues to fight for those impacted by military service.

Presumptive Conditions Caused by Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water

Eight health conditions have been labeled as presumptive conditions. This designation confirms that the VA believes certain illnesses are caused by previous contact with polluted water at Camp Lejeune. The presumptive illness categorization allows those impacted to obtain VA benefits without having to prove that the contaminants in the water caused their malady. Your legitimate assertion will rely upon the close connection between the gravity of your illness and your subjection to Camp Lejeune water.

A presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune is proven by showing that a person spent at least 30 days at the military base between 1953 and 1987 and has been diagnosed with one of these illnesses. With documentation through medical records of illness and service records, the VA automatically assumes the effects of exposure are caused by toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

The presumptive illnesses linked to exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water supply include:

Adult Leukemia

The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with Benzene, a known carcinogen linked to leukemia. Adult leukemia symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding. Treatment for this condition typically involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Aplastic anemia is a grave ailment in which the body does not produce enough fresh blood cells. It has been connected to exposure to certain chemicals, such as Benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE). Studies have observed that those exposed to corrupt water at Camp Lejeune had an increased danger risk of developing this illness. Aplastic anemia symptoms can include exhaustion, breathlessness, and weal marks or hemorrhage. The signs can be minor or significant and may show up abruptly or slowly over time.

Bladder Cancer

It is estimated that around 70,000 individuals are identified with bladder cancer yearly in the United States. The danger of getting bladder cancer, a disease that originates in the cells of the bladder tissue, rises with age, and it is prevalent among males more than females. It has been proved that environmental toxins such as contaminated water can increase one’s risk of developing this disorder.

Experts have surmised that those impacted by pollutants in the water at Camp Lejeune may be more susceptible to bladder cancer resulting from their contact with harmful chemicals. Although there is no exact cure for this kind of cancer, spotting it early and getting medical attention can improve the quality of life and alleviate the impact of some symptoms. Treatment approaches vary. However, they may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. As a presumptive illness, you or your loved one is eligible for medical care when showing a Camp Lejeune assignment with the outlined dates.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, which originates in the cells of the kidneys, can develop from exposure to hazardous chemicals such as Benzene and trichloroethylene. The kidneys are two organs situated at each side of the body and are responsible for filtering waste out of the bloodstream and eliminating it from the body. Individuals who have had extensive exposure to contaminated water may be more prone to getting kidney cancer.

Liver Cancer

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) discovered that Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water, which contained chemicals like Benzene and trichloroethylene, might have caused men to be twice as likely to develop liver cancer compared to those not exposed. This poses a serious health concern due to the ability of these chemicals to damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer development.

Multiple Myeloma

Investigations have revealed a 56% higher chance of developing multiple myeloma for people who have had contact with the polluted water at Camp Lejeune. Therefore, such individuals must be conscious of the symptoms associated with multiple myeloma.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that begins within the cells of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system. Recently discovered evidence shows that individuals exposed to impure water at Camp Lejeune are in danger of this condition at double the usual rate. Indications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma might include enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, fever, and reduced body mass.

Parkinson’s Disease

A 2021 study published in Neurobiology of Disease, conducted on rats exposed to TCE for an extended period of time, aimed to help understand the impacts of TCE exposure on the brain. The findings suggested that increased LRRK2 kinase activity and progressive dopaminergic cell loss – the two most common genetic factors for Parkinson’s disease – were caused by TCE exposure. Because of these findings, Parkinson’s was added to the presumptive conditions list for those exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Additional Illnesses Linked to Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water

The VA has not classified the illnesses below as presumptive. However, studies from the ATSDR have shown a strong connection between these conditions and the toxic chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water.

Breast Cancer

Research has indicated that female individuals exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had a heightened risk of acquiring breast cancer compared to those not exposed. It is possible that this increased danger could be attributed to a number of causes, such as contaminants in the water disrupting standard breast anatomy or changing DNA.

Esophageal Cancer

Signs of esophageal cancer can range from trouble gulping to significant weight loss and discomfort in the throat or back. It’s believed that contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may have raised the risk of esophageal cancer. Rapid detection can increase the chances of survival.

Female Infertility and Miscarriage

This contaminated water contained high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Benzene, vinyl chloride, and other hazardous chemicals. These VOCs have been linked to an increased risk of infertility in women exposed to them. 

Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis, otherwise referred to as fatty liver disease, is caused by an excess of fat in the liver cells. It is one of the most common conditions associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination. It can bring about many symptoms, such as listlessness, weight reduction, and pain in the upper right abdomen. This problem can sometimes lead to more severe conditions, including cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Lung Cancer

Cancer of the lungs is often hard to catch in its early stages. Exposure to chemicals such as Benzene greatly increases one’s risk for lung cancer. Those stationed or having served at Camp Lejeune need to make sure all medical professionals who treat them are aware of the time spent at Camp Lejeune and potential exposure.

Neurobehavioral Effects Similar to Parkinson’s Disease and ALS

The 2009 National Research Council (NRC) study showed a direct connection between the polluted water at Camp Lejeune and neurobehavioral impacts. This exploration concluded that exposure to contaminated water was linked to cognitive deterioration and motor issues. Cognitive deterioration involves loss of memory, difficulty focusing, and reduced response times. Motor issues noted include problems with organization, equalization, and power.

The study further concluded that these neurological issues were more pronounced for those exposed to greater levels of contamination for longer durations. Beyond this, it was found that children whose mothers were exposed to contaminated water during pregnancy had a higher risk of these adverse neurobehavioral effects than those whose mothers had not been exposed. These findings imply that exposure to Camp Lejeune’s polluted water could potentially lead to long-term physical and mental health implications.

Renal Toxicity

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has the potential to cause renal toxicity. This condition can cause damage to the kidneys, which, if left unchecked, may lead to kidney failure. Common renal toxicity symptoms include frequent urination, blood in the urine, swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs, nausea, and weakness.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a persistent disorder that affects the epidermis, muscles, and body organs. The skin becomes solidified, leading to irritation, combustion, or edema. Moreover, Raynaud’s phenomenon may result from Scleroderma, causing reduced circulation to the appendages. When scleroderma impacts inner organs, symptoms include breathlessness, acid reflux, bloating in the arms and legs, weariness, and numbness or tingling in the digits and toes.

Our Camp Lejeune Lawyers Are Here For You

If you believe that you or a loved one suffers symptoms of Camp Lejeune’s water, contact The Ferraro Law Firm. Our team has years of experience with water contamination lawsuits. We understand the nuances of supporting those with military service and ensuring proper compensation is received. We will help ensure you have all the medical evidence to submit your claim to the VA so you can receive medical care and proper compensation.