For over four decades, a shadow loomed over Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. From 1953 onward, grave levels of toxic contamination infiltrated the very lifeblood of the base—its water supply. This silent enemy was a potent industrial solvent – trichloroethylene (TCE).
The consequences of this contamination are only now being fully understood. TCE exposure is linked to a cluster of blood cancers, collectively known as hematological disorders.
Let us take a closer look at these blood-related ailments.
TCE Found in Camp Lejeune Water
This industrial solvent likely originated from multiple sources within the base. According to TorHoerman Law, potential culprits include spills at industrial sites and leaking underground storage tanks (UST) used for hazardous materials.
TCE contamination impacted the Hadnot Point water treatment plant, serving enlisted housing, the base hospital, and industrial areas. Moreover, USTs are known to deteriorate over time, and leaks can go undetected for years, allowing TCE to migrate into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Back then, TCE was also used for degreasing metal parts. In such an operation, heated degreasing tanks convert TCE into a potent vapor that not only dissolves grease but also releases it into the air.
Once it infiltrates soil or groundwater, TCE’s persistence allows it to linger for decades, posing a long-term threat. Several veterans are filing lawsuits claiming compensation for the toxic exposure.
If you, or someone you know, have suffered severe health issues due to exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, you can file a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit. You can now sue the US government for its blatant neglect in addressing the grave concerns at the Camp.
In the following sections, we will dive deep into a few serious health conditions caused by TCE exposure.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition where the bone marrow sputters and slows down. In this condition, the hematopoietic stem cells in the marrow are damaged.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene exposure have been identified as causes of aplastic anemia among Camp Lejeune veterans. Prolonged exposure to TCE induces bone marrow suppression. TCE metabolites have been shown to induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in hematopoietic stem cells.
These metabolites can also cause DNA damage and alter gene expression profiles, disrupting normal blood cell development.
Diagnosing TCE-induced aplastic anemia can be challenging, as the symptoms may develop years after exposure. Advanced hematological tests, such as bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometry, are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
These tests help assess the extent of marrow damage and rule out other causes of pancytopenia. Genetic testing for inherited bone marrow failure syndromes may also be necessary to differentiate TCE-induced aplastic anemia from other conditions.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. It disrupts the brain’s production of dopamine, a vital chemical responsible for smooth movement.
Symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slowness often emerge as a result. Understanding the link between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s requires delving into the world of neurotoxicity.
The chemical can wreak havoc on the brain, particularly in a key area called the substantia nigra. This region plays a critical role in producing dopamine, a chemical essential for smooth movement.
TCE exposure may disrupt this operation in two ways. First, the body breaks down TCE into metabolites, some of which act like toxins, damaging the dopamine-producing cells. Also, TCE can create an environment of oxidative stress within these cells, further compromising their function.
JAMA Network did a cohort study involving over 350,000 service members stationed at Camp Lejeune to analyze their medical records. The findings revealed a 70% higher risk of Parkinson’s disease in these veterans compared to those stationed at a non-contaminated base.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) weaken your bone marrow, the blood cell factory. This inefficiency translates to a diminished capacity to produce mature, functional blood cells. The consequence is cytopenia, a general term for abnormally low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This compromised blood cell production also carries a concerning long-term risk: the potential evolution into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
TCE has been found to cause damage to the DNA and alter the epigenetic landscape of stem cells, which are responsible for producing blood cells. Cell damage from MDS and aplastic anemia can mess with genes, raising the risk of these diseases. The VA recognizes these conditions as potentially caused by military service.
This recognition implies a causal link between these conditions and exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
This is a type of blood cancer that affects B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the body’s immune system. In CLL, the marrow produces too many abnormal B-cells, which accumulate in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
CLL is characterized by a gradual increase in these abnormal B-cells, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, and an increased risk of infection.
Exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) has been suggested to contribute to the development of CLL through chronic antigenic stimulation and B-cell dysregulation.
TCE and its metabolites have been shown to activate B-cells and disrupt their normal functioning. This persistent stimulation can lead to the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic changes in B-cells, increasing the risk of developing CLL.
Recent advancements in understanding the molecular basis of CLL have led to the identification of novel prognostic markers and treatment strategies for TCE-related CLL. Genetic markers, such as mutations in the IGHV gene, have been found to influence the prognosis and treatment response in CLL patients.
With the arrival of targeted therapies, doctors now have powerful tools to combat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. These drugs work by inhibiting specific signaling pathways or inducing apoptosis in CLL cells, leading to improved patient outcomes.
While evidence indicates a connection between TCE exposure and CLL risk, more research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms fully. This research will help develop targeted prevention and treatment approaches for those affected by TCE-related CLL.
The story of TCE exposure at Camp Lejeune is far from over. Scientists are piecing together the puzzle, figuring out how these contaminants might be linked to certain cancers.
This knowledge is crucial—it’s the key to unlocking better prevention strategies and even more targeted treatments. Early detection, personalized care plans, and continued research are all weapons in the fight for veterans’ health.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough. We, as a community, need to stand beside Camp Lejeune veterans. Spreading awareness about these potential health risks is vital.
Our brave veterans deserve a fighting chance. Let’s champion their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the newest treatments. United, we can make a real dent in TCE-related blood cancers. Their well-being depends on it.
