From 1953 to 1987, the waters of Camp Lejeune were contaminated with toxic chemicals, including carcinogens and reproductive toxins. As a result of the contamination, thousands of service members and their families were affected. Crises like these are the result of negligence on the part of the government.
This negligence can result in personal injuries and fatalities, property destruction, loss of quality of life, and loss of productivity. It is important to understand the dangers associated with contaminated water so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is Water Contamination?
By definition, water contamination is the introduction of one or more contaminants into a water supply. Contaminants can be naturally occurring, or they can be introduced intentionally. Natural sources of contamination include minerals such as uranium, radon, arsenic, and mercury. Additionally, rainwater contains a certain amount of bacteria and other microorganisms that can affect human health. Intentional sources of contamination include industrial waste and sewage from septic systems.
Both natural and intentional contamination sources can cause people illness and environmental damage. Many substances were found when testing the water at Camp Lejune, including TCE (trichloroethylene), benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene), and other volatile organic compounds. These chemicals are known carcinogens and are harmful to people’s health.
What are the Risks of Water Contamination?
While small amounts of contaminants are unlikely to cause serious health problems, exposure to large amounts can lead to serious illness or even death. This is particularly true for children, older people, and people with weakened immune systems. Exposure to high levels of certain contaminants can also cause environmental damage to the land and water in the surrounding area.
For example, exposure to high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the environment can disrupt the endocrine system and cause a variety of birth defects in animals. The health risks associated with exposure to contaminated drinking water vary depending on the contaminant. However, exposure to low contaminants over a long period can still pose a significant risk to human health.
How are People Exposed to Contaminated Water?
Contaminated water is commonly found in homes due to leaky pipes, improperly installed plumbing fixtures, and poor maintenance practices. In addition, lead-based paint found on household walls can contain highly toxic lead and can leach into the water supply when the paint is disturbed. Contaminated water can also be found in public water supplies as a result of untreated sewage and industrial waste.
People can be exposed to contaminated water through ingestion, inhaling water, or vapors containing harmful chemicals. High levels of contaminants in the air can settle on surfaces such as soil or plant leaves, where they can enter the food chain. The effects of exposure to contaminated food and water vary depending on the contaminant and the amount and duration of exposure.
How To Prevent Drinking Water Contamination?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent contamination of your drinking water supply. The most important step is to make sure that your plumbing system is properly maintained and that all plumbing fixtures are in good working order. This includes regularly flushing out your pipes with water and checking for leaks under your sinks and around faucets.
You should also consider installing a water filter on your kitchen sink to reduce the number of contaminants in your drinking water. You should also avoid drinking unfiltered tap water. Finally, avoid using water from sources that are not treated to remove contaminants, such as well water and river water. A reverse osmosis water filter is the most effective method for removing chlorine and other pollutants from your drinking water.
Conclusion
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an illness that may be linked to drinking water contamination from Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact an experienced lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options.
A personal injury lawsuit can help you obtain justice for yourself and your loved ones and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Research the attorney in your area with the best track record in successfully handling cases like yours. Ask friends, family members, and co-workers for references.
You can also read reviews from other attorneys to get a good sense of the lawyer’s experience and capabilities. A personal injury attorney has the resources and expertise to pursue your claim aggressively and obtain the best possible outcome for you.
