Posted on August 04th, 2020
More than 70 chemicals have been identified as contaminants at Camp Lejeune, including perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene. Studies have revealed a correlation between PCE exposure and various types of cancers, including ovarian and uterine cancer.
The EPA has characterized PCE and TCE as carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. These toxic chemicals that were also found at Camp Lejeune appeared in concentrations between 240 to 3400 times the levels permitted by safety standards. Authorities theorize that the contamination stems from an off-base dry-cleaning company, leaking underground storage tanks, industrial-area spills, and waste-disposal sites.
Research results suggest possible associations between chronic exposure to the chemicals found at Camp Lejeune and ovarian cancer
Three on-base wells on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were found to be contaminated with health-hazardous substances. Current Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates indicate that anyone at Camp Lejeune prior to 1987 may have been exposed to chemicals that contained high levels of toxicity.
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that can begin in either or both of the ovaries. The cancerous cells multiply quickly and form a tumor on the outside of the ovaries, inside the egg-producing cells, or inside the hormone-producing cells. Before any symptoms arise, women should be aware of the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer. There are several risk factors that increase the possibility of an ovarian cancer diagnosis, including exposure to toxic substances.
A growing number of women formerly stationed on a North Carolina military base in the late 1970s have developed ovarian cancer along with other serious illnesses - and soil contamination from over 30 years ago is likely a significant factor.
The victims of environmental contamination at Camp Lejeune can now receive compensation
After a decades-long struggle, veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987 - and their family members - can now apply for veterans' disability benefits.
The VA provides reimbursement for out-of-pocket healthcare costs for veterans' family members who resided at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. To be eligible for medical cost reimbursement, family members must submit evidence proving their eligibility for the program, such as:
- marriage license or birth certificate that shows a dependent relationship to a veteran who served on active duty for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune
- documents proving that they lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987
- a diagnosis of ovarian cancer based on medical records
Quality assistance for veterans who developed ovarian cancer as a result of past toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune
If you have qualifying service at Camp Lejeune and a current diagnosis of ovarian cancer, we can help you obtain fair compensation within the shortest time possible so that you can afford superior healthcare and treatment. Attorneys at Environmental Litigation Group P.C. remain committed to leaving no stone unturned when it comes to fulfilling our obligations to the brave men and women who served our nation.
