Benzene exposure increases the risk of multiple myeloma in veterans by up to 40%
As a versatile chemical, benzene is a natural component of crude and refined petroleum products. It is also formed in the combustion of organic materials. Benzene is used mainly as a raw material in the manufacturing of synthetic organic chemicals. In the past, benzene was used extensively as an organic solvent. On military bases, service members would often use it to clean up weapons and equipment, and they were inevitably exposed to the chemical. While benzene in and of itself is not toxic, it becomes toxic once inside the body when the enzymes in the liver break it down into metabolites.
The strong association between multiple myeloma and benzene exposure was discovered during the last century. For instance, in 1970, a study described two cases of multiple myeloma in leather workers in Spain who used benzene-containing glue. In 1984, another study reported four cases of multiple myeloma over a period of 10 years in Turkey in workers exposed to benzene. However, on military bases, there were other toxic chemicals, exposure to which might result in multiple myeloma.
If you are a veteran who spent a significant time at a contaminated military base and have multiple myeloma, these are the eligibility criteria you have to meet to file a claim:
- you must have been discharged from the military other than dishonorably
- you must have been stationed at a contaminated military base for a significant time
- you must have a diagnosis of multiple myeloma that has a link to toxic exposure
Because assessing a toxic exposure case is a complex endeavor, our attorneys will request your military records, which you must retrieve, and your medical records. These documents will be the starting point in evaluating your situation. If we find that you are eligible for compensation, we will promptly let you know and begin working on your claim as soon as possible.
Approximately 800,000 gallons of fuel leaked from Camp Lejeune's fuel farm, which contained high benzene levels
In addition to benzene, pesticides are also known to cause multiple myeloma. Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide and defoliant, was used in tremendous amounts during the Vietnam War. Over 11 million of Agent Orange were used during the conflict. It is important to note that veterans did not have to be stationed in Vietnam for exposure to occur, as the herbicide would often be stored on military facilities such as Camp Lejeune, and service members would have to handle it. According to the VA, multiple myeloma is a disease that has a strong connection with Agent Orange.
If you are a veteran with multiple myeloma who spent time at Camp Lejeune and want to file a claim, the following are the eligibility requirements you must meet:
- you must have been discharged from the military other than dishonorably
- you must have drunk toxic water at Camp Lejeune for a significant time
- you must have lived at the military base for at least 30 consecutive days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- you must have a diagnosis of multiple myeloma that has a connection with toxic exposure
The family members of Camp Lejeune veterans who stayed with them at the military base and developed multiple myeloma might also be entitled to compensation. Furthermore, civilians who worked at the facility and now struggle with this cancer might be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim, too. As a veteran, we will ask you for your military and medical records, while as a family member, you will have to provide our legal team with evidence of your time spent at the military base in addition to your medical records. Civilians will have to send in their employment and medical records.
