More About Firefighting Foam and PFAS Exposure at Camp Lejeune

Water contamination from forever chemicals in firefighting foam could be Camp Lejeunes biggest problem

Friday, March 17, 2023 - US Marine Base Camp Lejeune, the largest military installation on the east coast, was established in 1941 during World War 2 and has served as the home for millions of US Marines, civilian employees, and their young and growing families. Military members from allied countries in Europe came to Camp Lejeune to retrain after the war. Starting in 1953, marines began using firefighting foam made by 3M and other companies to extinguish burn pit fires, jet fuel, and petroleum fires and also to train regularly to do so. They also used degreasers and other dangerous chemicals to clean and service military equipment and weaponry. One of the locations where firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals was utilized has been identified as Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, which is about 40 miles from Camp Lejeune. Firefighting foam is made using per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which scientific studies have linked to cancer and other diseases like Parkinson's disease in humans. Marines routinely cleaned up spent firefighting foam by rinsing it with water down into the soil or local storm drains thinking that they were diluting the chemicals and making them harmless. This was ineffective, however, as forever chemicals have strong molecular bonds and stay intact on the microscopic level and bio-accumulate in the soil and water. Using firefighting foam continuously led groundwater contamination, which subsequently led to exposure to PFAS toxins for millions of individuals living and working on the base. From 1953 to 1987 millions of marines, civilian employees and their family members developed cancer and died from regularly ingesting water contaminated with PFAS forever chemicals. Many are now filing Camp Lejeune water lawsuits.

PFAS do not break down organically and bioaccumulate in the environment. Scientists link improperly disposing of firefighting foam to a range of health problems, including about a dozen forms of cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems like miscarriages, stillbirths, and serious birth defects. PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that are heat, water, and oil resistant. Concerns have been raised about the impact of their persistence and bioaccumulative properties on human health. PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, immune system effects, liver damage, and effects on cholesterol levels in studies. To address contamination and reduce exposure, the US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a PFAS Action Plan. More research is required to fully understand the risks associated with these chemicals and to develop effective protective strategies for human health, however, it has come to light that hundreds of US military installations in addition to Camp Lejeune used firefighting foam that led to serious health problems for soldiers, their families, and those in surrounding communities. US marines and civilian employees at Camp Lejeune have filed Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims seeking retribution for cases of cancer, birth defects, and other illnesses among service members and civilian employees have suffered.

Information provided by CampLejeuneJusticeActClaim.com, a website devoted to providing news about Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim, including a free no-cost, no-obligation Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim.