The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 500 thousand to one million people who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune Military base were exposed to toxic elements in the water supply between 1953 and 1987.
The effects of the exposure to the contaminated water have resulted in one tragedy after another with many of those exposed developing life-changing ailments including a high incidence of male breast cancer cases.
An NBC report on the matter tells the story of 39-year old Mike Pertain who discovered he had breast cancer five-years ago. Pertain lived a healthy life-style. He did not drink, smoke, or do drugs, and had no family history of breast cancer. Flummoxed, he sought answers until the connection was made. Platain was born on Camp Lejeune. In addition, he learned of 83 other men who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They all lived or worked at Camp Lejeune.
Breast cancer in males is extremely rare with a one case of male breast cancer to every 100 cases of female breast cancer.
This makes the link between males who lived and worked on Camp Lejeune, and male breast cancer more than mere coincidence and is one more life-altering disease linked to the Camp Lejeune Contamination Scandal.
What was the Camp Lejeune Contamination Scandal?
The water contamination scandal at Camp Lejeune, a major U.S. Marine base in North Carolina was a significant environmental crisis. It was discovered that the water supply contained toxic chemicals that posed serious threat to the thousands of people who lived and worked on the base.
Which toxic elements in Camp Lejeune Water could have caused the high incidence of Male breast cancer cases?
The extent of toxicity fully came to light in the 80s, however, emerging reports show that the military had been made aware of the presence of toxins in the water much earlier. Testing showed that the water contained significantly high levels of carcinogens. For example, a water sample revealed the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE) a known carcinogen, at 280 times higher than was acceptable. Tests also revealed that unsafe levels of perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and more were present. These chemicals are known to cause a myriad of health issues including cancer, neurological disorders and birth defects.
Thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune were exposed to the contaminated water
Where did the chemicals come from?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the contaminants in the Camp Lejeune wells came from various sources including industrial area spills, and underwater storage tanks.
However, the NBC article reported that the worst contamination came from the Marine Corps industrial waste and leaking fuel storage tanks.”
Legal Recourse and Fight for Justice
Many have suffered serious and terminal disease and loss as a result of the delayed response of the U.S. government to the known dangers in the Camp Lejeune water supply.
On August 6, 2012, the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program was launched to support veterans and their families affected by the contamination. Those whose lives were impacted by the Camp Lejeune Contamination disaster are pursuing legal action.
The law firm of CaseyGerry works with individuals and families who have been impacted by this tragedy. With over 75 Years of experience representing harmed persons against powerful entities, we are committed to pursuing justice for those who suffered from the Camp Lejeune Contamination Scandal.
To learn more about our Camp Lejeune Contamination litigation, please visit https://www.caseygerry.com/san-diego-camp-lejeune-mass-tort-lawyer/
