Camp Lejeune was established in 1941 by the United States Marine Corps. The water at the base had been tainted with different substances for over thirty years. As a result, many people who lived on the base experienced significant health issues or even perished. This is why the US government set up a fund for Camp Lejeune victims.
Funding
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 establishes that anyone who was exposed to the contamination will be eligible for financial reparations. The bill promises $6.7 billion in funding for victims. The chemicals in the water had some very serious consequences for over one million people in America. Furthermore, the new law came after many years of protests and people demanding rights.
Thus, to help the veterans who were exposed to the hazardous water, the government set up the Camp Lejeune Fund in reaction to the contamination tragedy. Even though this bill is a positive step, more needs to be done to support these veterans. They deserve better from their country because they have already endured enough suffering.
Previous Camp Lejeune Funds
To assist those affected financially by the Camp Lejeune water poisoning, the government established the Camp Lejeune Health Care Assistance Fund in 2012. The fund, however, has only been able to offer a little bit of assistance to Camp Lejeune victims. Amounting to around $6.7 billion, the Camp Lejeune legislation, which was first introduced in Congress in 2019, will reimburse Camp Lejeune victims more comprehensively. This law is an important step toward ensuring justice for Camp Lejeune veterans. It was finally signed and passed in August 2022 by the Biden administration.
Health Issues Covered by the Fund
The water at Camp Lejeune was tainted with different pollutants, such as benzene and trichloroethylene, for more than three decades. Consequently, the Marine Corps has been linked to many health issues among residents. As it were, the monetary aid is meant to cover medical expenses.
The main health issues caused by the water contamination are:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- ALS
- Heart issues
- Miscarriage
- Memory problems
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Dementia
- Birth defects
- Neurobehavioral issues
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Anxiety
- Parkinson’s disease
Long-term exposure of Camp Lejeune residents to hazardous chemicals in their drinking water led to a slew of health problems and deaths. Thus, anyone who was diagnosed with any of the above conditions should be covered by the Camp Lejeune fund. Also, family members of victims can apply for financial aid as well.
Link Between Camp Lejeune and Health
Residents of Camp Lejeune were exposed to harmful chemicals in their drinking and bathing water for a long time. As a result, this led to a number of health problems and deaths from water contamination. For instance, according to certain research, the contamination at Camp Lejeune was related to heart abnormalities.
The studies on cardiac problems at Camp Lejeune are crucial because they enable us to comprehend how environmental factors might affect health and result in certain disorders. These studies also offer vital details that can assist parents in making knowledgeable choices regarding their pregnancy and child’s health on a larger scale.
Making judgments regarding exposure to probable toxins should take into account the study findings since these abnormalities at Camp Lejeune are a serious concern. Namely, one of the most concerning issues that were linked to Camp Lejeune are the ones that could lead to premature death, such as cancer.
Additionally, TCE and PCE, which were found in the water supply, are extremely dangerous for humans to consume. What’s more, these compounds were also connected to an array of health issues. Recently, exposure to tainted water at the base was even linked to female infertility.
In response to all of this, the Camp Lejeune fund was set up. If you were exposed to contaminated water between 1953 and 1987 and were later diagnosed with any of the conditions listed, you may be eligible for compensation. To conclude, it is strongly recommended that you take legal action right away if you or someone you know has been harmed. Keep in mind that time is of the essence as there is a deadline to file a case; this deadline falls on August 2024.