Camp Lejeune Water Contamination - Common Symptoms

From the early 1950s to the early 1980s, nearly a million people – marines, their families, and civilian workers – were exposed to harmful chemicals in the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune drinking water. These toxic chemicals from a nearby dry-cleaning company are the cause of many life-altering diseases. A total of fifteen potential illnesses and symptoms have been directly linked to Camp Lejeune, including the following:

Esophageal cancer makes up about one percent of all cancer cases in the United States and is more common in men than in women. A study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that exposing the esophagus to chemicals increases the risk the contracting this type of cancer.

This type of cancer is about two times more likely to be contracted by men than by women and is among the top ten most common kinds of cancer in the United States. Exposure to TCE has been directly linked to kidney cancer cases.

Breast cancer is more likely to be contracted by women rather than by men and is the most common type of cancer in the United States (not including skin cancers). There are several contributing factors to developing breast cancer, but a study conducted on the Camp Lejeune water contamination found it to be more likely among the exposed.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States (not including skin cancer) and is slightly more likely to occur in men than in women. Lung cancer has been directly linked to inhaling Vinyl Chloride, a substance found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men but is less likely in women. Bladder cancer has been linked to exposure to common chemicals found in many industries using volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

While it is rare cancer for both sexes, men are slightly more likely to develop leukemia than women. It has been directly linked to benzene, a chemical found in the camp Lejeune drinking water.

Female infertility is a condition defined as "the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex." It can be a problem with the male partner, but more often, it is a problem with the female partner. Female infertility has been directly linked to organic pollutants such as were found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water.

Miscarriages, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of pregnancy, are also complications associated with Camp Lejeune drinking water contamination. Consistent miscarriages fall into the category of infertility, but women may experience only one, and this still qualifies. It has also been linked to exposure to toxins.

This is a condition that involves the tightening of the skin due to an overproduction of collagen. While environmental triggers are not common causes of scleroderma, research shows that consistent exposure to chemicals such as those found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water can cause the condition.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that is significantly more likely to affect older men. It develops from a condition known as Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which is thought to have a connection to exposure to harmful chemicals.

This condition affects the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. It is a very serious condition and requires emergency medical treatment, so please see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms provided by the mayo clinic:

• Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or pressure
• Seizures or coma in severe cases

This specific kind of cancer is more common in men than in women and can occur at any age, and is not uncommon in children. It has been linked to benzene, one of the chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water.

The exact amount of people with this condition each year is not known, though it is estimated to be only around 10,000 and is more common in men. It is linked to extended periods of benzene exposure.

Also known as fatty liver disease, hepatic steatosis is a condition in the liver usually associated with heavy drinking but can also develop as a pregnancy complication in the third trimester. It is one of the most common symptoms reported from Camp Lejeune water contamination.

While this is a disease usually associated with aging adults, Parkinson’s Disease and other neurobehavioral effects have been reported in children exposed to VOCs.

If you believe you have been exposed to contaminated water from Camp Lejeune and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to our legal team at Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260 or fill out this form to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.