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Chemical found in Camp Lejeune drinking water a known carcinogen

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

(Updated 3:05 pm)

By Martha Waggoner
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — Government researchers have classified a chemical found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune for decades as a known cause of cancer in humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency last week said the chemical TCE is a known human carcinogen. It was found in water at Camp Lejeune before wells were closed two decades ago. Health officials believe as many as 1 million people may have been exposed.

A spokeswoman says the Marine Corps hasn't decided whether to alert former residents about the new classification. A federal study of the water is unaffected.

Congressman Brad Miller hopes the change will help his bill that would require the government to provide health care to veterans and their families who got sick because of the water.

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Syberias

October 4, 2011 - 4:27 pm EDT

I was born at the naval hospital there in 1964 and lived with my mother and two older brothers there in military housing at Tarawa Terrace. About 5 years ago my mother (who passed away about 2 years ago) told me about this situation and that the military were aware of it and had set up administrators that could be contacted through a toll free number if you thought you were affected by it. Sadly, I can't find the papers my mother wrote the details on but it's definately out there if look for it.

Linus_61

October 4, 2011 - 6:51 pm EDT

well just like when al that asbestos from the WTC wound up in the streets of Manhattan and Christie Todd Whitman who was the EPA director at the time wanted to say it was dangerous but Bush changed all that and then she quit-how many people living in lower Manhattan are breathing in asbestos deposited on the buildings and apartments down there ten years ago along with all the rescue workers???They do not want to admit it is harmful because thne we would have to spend money on our own people for a change

thame

October 5, 2011 - 2:44 pm EDT

Please visit the following website for information about water situation at Camp Lejeune: www.tftptf.com.

Thanks

bill12

October 6, 2011 - 11:44 am EDT

I am one of those who was stationed at camp Lejeune and now has cancer. I had esophageal cancer (2009 and lucky for me I had just started using the VA hospital. Between the co-pays and Rx costs I could have never afforded it. I have 10% Va disabillity and when I called to see if I could get it increased the folks I talked to told me to submit the forms and mention "camp Lejeune drinking water" Well I did and I was denied an increase in benifits because I did not report it with in one year of my discharge.....go figure. When I asked my doc at the Va about the chemicals and could they cause cancer he said no....go figure again....who does he work for. I guess by the time I am 6 feet under they will have an answer