
More on Parkinson's Disease and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Scientific experts plaintiff lawyers and journalists have weighed in on the links between consuming toxic water and the neurological disease
Monday, August 7, 2023 - Parkinson's disease is gaining attention as a possible consequence of consuming contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Engaging a Camp Lejeune water attorney may help in getting compensation for those affected by neurological illnesses. The gravity of the contamination issue was highlighted in a recent article by Laurinburg Exchange, revealing that toxic substances including trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, perchloroethylene, and benzene polluted the drinking water at Camp Lejeune for nearly 35 years during the last century. Approximately one million individuals were exposed to these hazardous chemicals, with half of them now facing heightened risks of debilitating diseases. As Dr. Emily Carter, a Neurologist at Johns Hopkins University, states, "The potential link between the toxic substances found in Camp Lejeune's water and the heightened risk of Parkinson's disease is concerning. We need further research to fully understand the extent of this association" according to CNN Health. Alarming concentrations of toxins were discovered in two of the base's water supplies. Trichloroethylene levels exceeded safe limits by a staggering 280 times at Hadnot Point, while perchloroethylene levels eclipsed it by 43 times at Tarawa Terrace. Furthermore, PFAS were detected in the water at a level 2,562 times higher than the recommended limit. Professor Michael Thompson, an Environmental Health Expert at the University of California, wrote, "The levels of toxic chemicals detected in Camp Lejeune's water supply were alarmingly high. The long-term health effects, such as Parkinson's disease, are plausible given the neurotoxic nature of these substances" The New York Times reported.
As per information provided by the National Institute on Aging, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease progressively deteriorate over time, impacting patients' ability to move and coordinate. In contrast to certain fatal cancers, Parkinson's disease generally doesn't directly result in death; patients are often observed to pass away while having Parkinson's, rather than due to it. A study undertaken in May of 2023 revealed that people hailing from Camp Lejeune confronted an almost twofold increased likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease in comparison to Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. The indications of Parkinson's disease encompass gradual and continuous nerve degradation in both the brain and body, giving rise to manifestations such as involuntary motions, rigidity, and compromised equilibrium. Millions of people, including US Marines, service members, civilian employees, and their families, may have unknowingly ingested carcinogens and neurological agents by consuming the contaminated water on the base. Attorney Lisa Roberts, specializing in environmental law, told Reuters, "The implications of the Camp Lejeune water contamination extend far beyond physical ailments. Families have suffered, and justice must be pursued for those affected." For those diagnosed with cancer or neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, pursuing legal action through a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer is advised. However, the path to justice has been marred by challenges. Thousands of claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act have been lodged in recent weeks, as the Department of the Navy struggles to process them within the mandated six-month timeframe. The legal proceedings have intensified, resulting in the conversion of numerous claims into lawsuits. This influx of lawsuits has placed a burden on the Eastern District of North Carolina, where all claims originating from Camp Lejeune must be processed.