Cardiac Birth Defects Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Due to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, unborn children were exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances that resulted in congenital heart defects or heart issues.

Many studies have established the links between contaminated drinking water and birth defects of the heart — particularly research conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Researchers at the ATSDR found that pregnant women who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had a higher chance of giving birth to a child with a heart defect.

Further scientific research on the links between toxic chemicals and congenital heart defects include:

• Journal of Reproductive Toxicology: Trichloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and congenital heart defects: a critical analysis of the literature
• Connecticut Department of Public Health: Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Reproductive Risk
• Environmental Health Perspectives: Adverse Birth Outcomes and Maternal Exposure to Trichloroethylene and Tetrachloroethylene through Soil Vapor Intrusion in New York State
• International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Environmental Contaminants and Congenital Heart Defects: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence
• Journal of Toxicology: Systematic evaluation of mechanistic data in assessing in utero exposures to trichloroethylene and development of congenital heart defects

About Cardiac Birth Defects

Also called congenital heart defect (CHD), a cardiac birth issue is any problem in a baby’s heart that affects how their circulatory system functions.

Some are mild and go away as the child grows older, while others are life-threatening and require medical care or intervention.

Common examples of congenital heart defects include:

• Holes in the heart or blood vessels
• Valve abnormalities that affect blood flow
• Narrow blood vessels
• Abnormal blood vessel connections

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Around 1% of children born in the U.S. annually will have some sort of congenital heart defects.
• Around 1 in 4 babies with CHD will have a critical condition that may need surgery or other procedures during the first year of their life.

Cardiac Birth Defects and Their Causes

Generally, it is still unclear how congenital heart defects begin.

Medical experts believe that congenital heart defects and cardiac birth defects stem from the following factors:

• Genetic: Changes or mutations in the genes responsible for heart development can lead to structural defects, creating adverse health effects on the unborn baby.
• Developmental: Congenital heart defects can occur due to errors in the complex process of heart formation during embryonic development.
• Environmental: The unborn baby can get exposed to various substances and other contaminants that result in health problems while in the uterus. For example, if the mother abuses drugs or alcohol, their child may be exposed. Infections can also increase health risks.

Congenital Heart Defects and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Exposure to toxic substances — like the ones found in Camp Lejeune — falls under environmental factors that may contribute to birth defects of the heart or blood vessels.

Researchers found several contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, and up to 70 other contaminants.

Many of the contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune are known to be harmful to the developing human body.

These substances can affect hormonal levels, DNA, and other important processes and components of child development in the womb.

Research studies linking Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and CHD include:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: A Summary of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Study Design and Results
• National Research Council Committee on Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune: Review of VA Clinical Guidance for the Health Conditions Identified by the Camp Lejeune Legislation
• Environmental Health Journal: Evaluation of exposure to contaminated drinking water and specific birth defects and childhood cancers at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Cardiac Birth Defects Complications

CHD can lead to a range of complications that affect the heart’s function, blood circulation, and overall health.

The severity of complications depends on the type and severity of the specific heart defect.

Possible complications associated with cardiac birth defects include:

• Heart failure
• Cyanosis or bluish tint on baby’s lips, skin, and nails
• Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat
• Blood clots and stroke
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Delayed growth and development
• Need for complex surgical procedures like cardiac catheterization
• Long-term health issues that persist to adulthood
• Secondary organ issues caused by inadequate oxygen supply

What is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

The drinking water at Camp Lejeune water was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for over 30 years.

Over one million military service members, their family members, civilian workers, private contractors, and others were exposed to contaminated water.

Exposure to tainted water at Camp Lejeune resulted in severe and often fatal health problems, and victims had little recourse.

It wasn’t until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that military veterans, family members, and others exposed to contaminated water were able to fully seek justice for what they experienced.

Through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can file compensation claims to the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit.

The Navy will promptly review compensation claims, returning a decision within 6 months of submission.

If a victim’s claim is not adjudicated or responded to within 6 months, they may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant and free case evaluation to see if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

VOCs, heavy metals, and harsh solvents are just some of the substances found in Camp Lejeune water.

The four most prominent toxic chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water supply were:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): TCE is a volatile organic compound commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a known carcinogen that can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): PCE is another volatile organic compound often used in dry cleaning and degreasing processes. Prolonged exposure to PCE can lead to health issues like neurological problems and liver damage.
• Benzene: Benzene is commonly used to manufacture various products, including plastics, rubber, and dyes. It is a known carcinogen that can lead to serious health problems, including leukemia.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is used in the production of plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Exposure to vinyl chloride can lead to lung and liver cancers.

Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses including, but not limited to:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Renal toxicity
• Multiple myeloma
• Other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Miscarriage, infertility and birth defects
• Many more diagnoses

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions, and for years they could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

With the Senate passage of the PACT Act, and the signing of the bill into law by President Biden, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits are able to be filed by any person exposed to contaminated water at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987.

If you, a family member or a loved one was exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between these dates, you may qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.