A large study ties contaminated drinking water at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune to an expanded range of cancers.
Federal health officials say the study found military personnel stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1975 to 1985 had at least a 20% higher risk for a number of cancers.
Related content: More than 130,000 claims made under Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The list includes some types of leukemia and lymphoma and cancers of the lung, breast, throat, esophagus and thyroid.
A federal law in August 2022 gave people who developed certain health problems they believe were linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination a two-year window to file claims.
Related content: Lejeune toxic water victims are fighting for jury trials
Ed Bell is the lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune water litigation case, and said the study, “Provides additional insight on the devastating harms Marines, their families, and civilians at Camp Lejeune have endured.”
He said the findings should spur the federal government – the same government that long knew about the toxic water and failed to disclose it to its servicemembers, workers, and families – to step up and support the veterans and families involved with speedy resolutions to their claims.
Related content:
Erin Brockovich speaks out for justice for victims of toxic water aboard Camp Lejeune
"Lejeune baby" advocating for justice for those injured by toxic water aboard Camp Lejeune
Sick veteran exposed to toxic Camp Lejeune water cautioning others to avoid settlement scams
