Camp Lejeune: Reproductive disorders claims

Camp Lejeune: Reproductive disorders claims video

Between 1953 and 1987, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune abounded in reprotoxic substances, endangering the health of numerous service members. Reprotoxic substances are chemicals that are harmful to reproduction, exposure to which can result in negative pregnancy outcomes. Exposure to organic solvents, including trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, was found to increase the chances of having a miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, a low birth weight baby, or a baby with a birth defect. Benzene is another reprotoxic solvent that lurked in the environment of Camp Lejeune during the last century. Some PFAS, a group of over 9,000 chemicals, are also reprotoxic, as they can interfere with thyroid hormones, which can eventually affect fertility. If you are a veteran who was stationed at Camp Lejeune and struggle with a reproductive disorder or your reproductive health was compromised, we encourage you to contact our attorneys, as you might be eligible for compensation.

Claim Application

Breathing in benzene vapors can damage reproductive organs and cause infertility

Appendix cancer

Benzene was detected in the water system at Tarawa Terrace, which served a family housing and a trailer park, in 1985. Still, the chemical was also present in the soil and in the products service members would use to clean up weapons and equipment. Therefore, benzene exposure occurred by inhalation and ingestion at Camp Lejeune.

A negative reproductive impact has been reported among women exposed to a high benzene level, and adverse effects have been observed in the developing fetus in animal tests. Furthermore, a high benzene exposure level was linked to the following birth defects:

  • non-isolated truncus arteriosus
  • coarctation of the aorta
  • total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Exposure to trichloroethylene, another solvent present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, was found to increase a baby's risk of cardiac defects and immune disorders. The chemical produced cardiac defects in rats when exposure occurred during the course of gestation. This birth defect was found in rat studies not only with trichloroethylene but with its metabolites, suggesting that the solvent may need to be metabolized to cause the birth defect. Trichloroethylene was also associated with cardiac defects in a human study in which a neighborhood's soil was contaminated with it.

Heavy metals are reprotoxic, too. Approximately 12 pounds of mercury were found in a pipe at Hadnot Point, a water plant located in the center of Camp Lejeune. It is important to note that mercury does not break down in the environment, so once there, it persists and cycles between air, soil, plants, and animals for extended periods. A study from the Journal of Dentistry mentions that exposure to high mercury concentrations increased the risk of reproductive disorders such as infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital malformations in experimental animal studies.

The reproductive effects of the hazardous contaminants at Camp Lejeune on the reproductive system of men and women can manifest as:

  • alterations in sex hormone levels
  • diminished libido and potency
  • menstrual disorders
  • premature menopause
  • delayed menarche
  • ovarian dysfunction
  • impairment of semen quality
  • reduced male and female fertility

Finally, exposure to PFAS disrupts normal reproductive function in women by altering hormone secretion, menstrual cyclicity, and fertility, according to a study from Environmental Research. The researchers observed that PFAS found in follicular fluids was linked to an increased risk of some infertility factors, and increased age was associated with decreased fertilization rate. PFAS exposure also has a significant association with gestational diabetes, childhood obesity, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.

Our experienced attorneys can help you file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim for reproductive disorders

With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys will go to great lengths to help you obtain the compensation you might be entitled to as a Camp Lejeune veteran with a reproductive disorder. To initiate the legal process, you just have to send in your military records, which you must retrieve, and your medical records stating your diagnosis.

After a careful review, we will decide whether you qualify to file a claim, and if you do, our resourceful legal team will promptly begin working on it. If you were stationed at other military bases and struggle with reproductive effects due to toxic exposure, do not hesitate to reach out to our attorneys, as they might be able to help you, too.