Benzene exposure has been associated with leukemia for over a century
For decades, petroleum products containing benzene such as diesel fuel and gasoline have been discharged on U.S. military bases, including Camp Lejeune, thereby contaminating groundwater.
The result was severe toxic exposure among service members and civilians living on the military base with potentially serious health consequences such as leukemia. There is no safe level of benzene exposure.
Benzene exposure increases the risk of developing leukemia by 40%
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked on Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic contaminants from drinking water. Benzene was one of these harmful substances. Studies found that benzene exposure can increase the risk of several cancers, including leukemia - a disease caused by the overproduction of damaged white blood cells.
Benzene exposure has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects, including cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer deemed benzene carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence that this organic chemical compound causes multiple types of leukemia, including:
- acute myelogenous leukemia
- acute lymphocytic leukemia
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia
According to the Department of Medicine at Weill Medical College at the Methodist Hospital of Houston, acute myelogenous leukemia has been proven to be caused by benzene. In fact, in some cases, medical experts can pinpoint genetic damage in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia consistent with past benzene exposure. Furthermore, evidence obtained from laboratory animal studies has shown low birth weights, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage when pregnant animals inhaled benzene.
If you are a veteran, a family member of one, or a civilian who spent at least 30 consecutive days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, drank toxic water, and now struggle with leukemia, do not hesitate to contact our law firm, as we specialize in toxic exposure cases. Our resourceful and experienced attorneys will carefully review your case after you provide us with the necessary documents to let you know whether you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim or lawsuit.
