From 1953 to 1987, the public water supply at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina was contaminated with toxic chemicals. As a result, for more than 30 years, more than a million Marines and their families drank and bathed in contaminated water.

There is strong scientific evidence that chronic exposure to toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water has caused increased rates of cancer and has caused injuries to children in utero.  Thousands of Marines and their families may have suffered severe illnesses and deaths as a result of their exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. 

 The Marine Corps itself has determined that from approximately 1953 through 1987, the water supply to Camp Lejeune was heavily contaminated with volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).

TCE and PCE  are in a class of chemicals called “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs).  These chemicals are used for dry cleaning, and much of the water contamination was attributed to an off-base dry cleaner that existed before the Marine base was opened.  The water wells were likely contaminated before Camp Lejeune opened.

But there were multiple other sources for this toxic water.  These same chemicals are also used to clean machinery and weapons. 

Tragically, the government was slow to respond to the problem.  The Navy had knowledge of contaminated wells dating back to the 1940s.  Wells were being found with TCE, PCE, and other toxic chemicals.  When this happened, the water was deemed unportable and the wells were shut down or restricted to non-drinking and non-culinary use.

Mason LLP represents the marines and families harmed by exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. 

If you believe you were harmed by the toxic water on Camp Lejeune between the years of 1953 and 1987 then please use the contact form for a free evaluation of your claim.