Camp Lejeune was a military base that was active during the 1940s. During this time, they were practicing open-air burning of solid waste.
When they were not burning solid waste, they were using the water as a dumping ground for human waste and industrial waste. The base has been linked to water contamination that has caused extensive damage to those who have been affected by it.
For those who want more information on Camp Lejeune, the following is a list of facts that you can utilize to learn about this base and the destruction that it has been linked to.
Let’s dig deeper.
What is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Between 1957 and 1987, the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina with toxic chemicals. Benzene, chloroform, and other chemicals contaminated the water.
The chemicals came from an off-base dry-cleaning facility and an on-base fuel depot. This is the water used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. The contamination affected the health of Marines, their families, and civilian employees.
The Marines and their families to the toxic chemicals in the water for years. This article will let you understand how the contamination affected the environment. Be sure to check it out!
The Cause of Contamination
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by a combination of factors, including:
- The presence of industrial chemicals in the water supply
- The lack of treatment of the water supply
- The lack of maintenance of the water system
The industrial chemicals present in the water included perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which were used in dry cleaning operations at a local dry cleaning facility.
The lack of treatment of the water supply allowed these toxic chemicals to enter the drinking water supply, and the lack of maintenance of the water system allowed the chemicals to build up over time.
The Aftermath of Water Contamination
As a result of water contamination, many health problems occur. This includes cancer, reproductive problems, and birth defects. The Marines and their families have filed a class action lawsuit against the government, and the case is still pending.
Camp Lejeune water contamination is one of the worst cases of water contamination in the United States.
The Management of Water Contamination
In 1987, the contamination was finally discovered. They turned off the water in the affected areas. The Department of Defense then provided bottled water and filtration systems to the residents.
In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs began providing healthcare to veterans and their families, especially those affected by the contamination.
Learn From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was a tragic event that affected the lives of many. It is important to learn from this tragedy and to make sure that it never happens again.
Water contamination may have a long-term effect on society. And worse, it may cause the death of one of our family members. This is why need to that the water we intake is fresh and clean.
So, what are you waiting for? Make sure you drink and use clean water for your and your loved ones’ safety.
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