Camp Lejeune Contamination Studies

A new article on water-modeling used to support epidemiological studies at Camp Lejeune has been published in the international peer-reviewed journal WATER. The title of the article is: “Reconstructing Historical VOC Concentrations in Drinking Water for Epidemiological Studies at a U.S. Military Base,” by M.L. Maslia, M.M. Aral, P.Z. Ruckart, and F. J. Bove.

Although this data has been posted for a while, we thought we’d share for those who have yet to see them. According to the CDC, these tables show the estimated monthly average levels of the contaminants in the finished drinking water from the Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard treatment plants.

This review is intended to assist the VA in making policy decision regarding the relationship between drinking water exposures to chemicals at Camp Lejeune and various health effects. The results of this review represent ATSDR’s assessment of the state of evidence at this time and we recognize that classifications used and the strength of evidence are subject to differing opinions and interpretations.

We’re happy to report that the ATSDR is moving ahead with several studies that will broaden our knowledge and give us insight into the full scope of contamination aboard Camp Lejeune from the ’50s to the ’80s.  From health surveys to a full Cancer Incidence Study for Camp Lejeune, we believe these will lend a more definitive collection of scientific data and evidence of what happened.

Over the past 2 years, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has completed
and published four epidemiological studies to determine if people residing and working on U.S. Marine
Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), NC, or their offspring were at increased risk for certain
health effects as a result of exposure to water contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Today, the Environmental Health Journal released new findings on birth issues and connection to contaminated water aboard Camp Lejeune.  Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate associations between residential prenatal exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune during 1968–1985 and preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), term low birth weight (TLBW), and mean birth weight deficit (MBW).

As the ATSDR continues to release studies and findings after extensive research, this study is yet another example of the breadth of constituencies exposed to decades of contamination.  Enlisted Marines, spouses, children, civilians and more all have a vested interest in these studies and their results.  Each study should not be viewed in isolation.  When all studies are viewed in total, the picture becomes alarmingly clear.

Although from a few years ago, this interactive timeline featured in the Tampa Bay Times provides an overview of the progression of Camp Lejeune water contamination.  It also highlights the various activities and actions undertaken by the military and DOD to address (or not address) the issue.  Decide for yourself:

A critical civilian mortality study was released early this week from the ATSDR with significant findings of elevated cancer risks for civilians exposed to contamination at Camp Lejeune, NC.  Already picked up by several news outlets, including NBC News, we encourage you to read it for yourself, study the report and share with everyone.  The more we share the studies, findings and information provided, the more we will begin to understand the full scope of contamination impact on the health of individuals at Camp Lejeune.

Two drinking water systems at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina were contaminated with solvents during 1950s-1985.   The new Camp Lejeune civilian mortality study finds higher mortality hazard ratios for leukemias and other health risks.