Camp Lejeune Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are ATSDR's studies going to help people who have already been diagnosed with a health problem?

Only a few studies have examined the link between birth defects, cancers, and non-cancer diseases and exposures to volatile organic compounds in drinking water. These studies will evaluate the possibility of a link between the drinking water contaminants found at Camp Lejeune and specific health problems.

People who were potentially harmed by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune will receive no direct benefit from the survey. However, information gained during the survey will help advance research on this topic. It could also help people in the future by improving drinking water standards and the quality of our drinking water.

2. Can I have any tests done to see if my family might have been affected by these contaminants?

Volatile organic compounds leave the body within a week after the last exposure, which at Camp Lejeune was many years ago. Therefore, testing will not determine whether you were exposed to these chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

There are no specific medical tests that are recommended for these exposures. Instead, we recommend that you monitor your health by having regular medical check ups. We encourage you to discuss this information with your physician, who can advise you on your personal health questions.

3. I'm sick or my family is sick. Are these contaminants to blame?

Exposure to the drinking water contaminants trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, benzene and other volatile organic compounds found at Camp Lejeune have been linked with some types of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. Still, even if you were exposed, ATSDR cannot confirm that these health problems are a result of that exposure. Many persons exposed to these contaminants do not suffer any health problems, but others do. Whether someone will or will not develop health problems depends on several factors, including

• the chemicals to which you were exposed,
• the dates you were exposed (the levels varied over time in the drinking water system),
• when you were exposed (e.g., as a fetus, a child, or an adult),
• how much exposure you received (if you were exposed as a fetus, this would depend on your mother's exposure),
• how long you were exposed,
• your genes,
• any other exposures to environmental or occupational hazards you have received during your lifetime,
• your lifestyle-for example, your diet, your tobacco or alcohol use, and your physical activity,
• illnesses you may have had from other causes, and
• medications you have taken during your lifetime.

ATSDR's website has more information on the health outcomes linked with TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride and benzene exposure, both in workers and those who drank contaminated water.

We encourage you to contact your family physician regarding any concerns you may have regarding your health or your family's health.

4. What about the effects on future generations?

It is uncertain whether future generations would be affected by these exposures. No human studies have been done to answer this question. The evidence from animal studies suggests that future generations would not be affected by these exposures.

5. I am a Marine Corps/Navy retiree. How can I get copies of my medical records?

You can get your medical records by contacting the National Personnel Records Center. The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository for personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services while they were in the military. NPRC-MPR also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. To the extent allowed by law, information from the records is made available upon written request (with dated signature). Requests must contain sufficient information to locate the record. This information includes

• Complete name as it appears on the service records
• Service number or social security number
• Branch of service, and
• Dates of service.

Date and place of birth may also be helpful, particularly if the service number is unknown.

If the request pertains to a record that may have been involved in the 1973 Records Center fire, also include place of discharge, last unit of assignment, and place of entry into the service, if known. Send the written request to the following address:

National Personnel Records CenterMilitary Personnel Records9700 Page AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63132-5100

The NPRC-MPR Web site has additional information.

6. What is the relationship between ATSDR and the Marine Corps? They're both part of the federal government, so isn't ATSDR's investigation of the Marine Corps a conflict of interest?

ATSDR is an independent agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is a federal public health agency that assesses potential human health effects of hazardous substances found at or near toxic waste sites. Because of a concern about conflict of interest, Congress made ATSDR a separate agency responsible for health consultations, assessments, and studies at toxic waste sites. This includes toxic substances found on property owned by other parts of the government, in this case the Marine Corps. Although the Marine Corps cooperates with ATSDR's requests for information, ATSDR's activities—including its conclusions and recommendations regarding the Camp Lejeune water contamination problem—remain independent.

7. Why wasn't I notified about the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune?

For questions about notification, contact the Marine Corps. The Call Center staff can be reached at 1-877-261-9782, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by email at clwater@usmc.mil.

Former residents and employees of Camp Lejeune can now register at the official Marine Corps water study website for notification and information regarding past drinking water contamination.

8. How can I register to receive information about Camp Lejeune?

Former residents and employees of Camp Lejeune can register at the official Marine Corps water study website for notification and information regarding past drinking water contamination. You can also contact the Marine Corps Call Center staff at 1-877-261-9782, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

9. What is the Community Assistance Panel (CAP)?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) created a Community Assistance Panel (CAP) for the Camp Lejeune site.The purpose of the CAP is to:

• Voice the concerns of the affected community of Marines and their families; and
• Provide input to ATSDR on public health activities.

The community members on the CAP provide individual input and represent the views of the groups and communities they belong to.

The CAP consists of community members, one representative from the Department of Defense (DoD), independent scientific experts, and ATSDR staff.

CAP meetings are broadcast live on streaming video on the ATSDR Camp Lejeune website. Transcripts of the meetings are provided on the ATSDR Camp Lejeune website after meetings are held.

10. Can the public attend the ATSDR community assistance panel (CAP) meetings on Camp Lejeune?

All Community Assistance Panel (CAP) meetings are open to the public. Interested persons may register to attend upcoming meetings and may sit in the audience.

Information about the CAP and dates of upcoming meetings are posted on the ATSDR Camp Lejeune website. Information about the CAP and their meetings can be found under the "Calendar of Events" link.

11. How can I file a claim? / How can I get compensation?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a health research agency. ATSDR's mission is to provide health information and to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances. ATSDR cannot provide advice about claims or compensation.For questions about claims or compensation, you need to contact the Navy JAG at 202-685-4600.

If you need additional advice to help you file a claim, you may wish to consult a private attorney.

1. Why do the ATSDR survey and study look only at the time period from 1968 to 1985?

1968 was the earliest year in which electronic birth certificates were available for the eligible group from the State of North Carolina. Research indicated that searching for those born prior to North Carolina's system going online would have been extremely difficult.The end date of 1985 is based on when the wells were confirmed to be polluted and were taken out of service.

You may wish to follow the study that ATSDR is conducting using information from the survey. Study findings will also apply to

• people who did not participate in the survey or study but who had or have the same conditions, and
• people for whom the water modeling shows they were exposed to contaminants.

2. Will having been exposed to these chemicals make children more susceptible to cancer as they get older?

It is not known whether being exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while in utero will make children more susceptible to cancers as they get older. At this time, research has only linked these chemicals with childhood cancers and birth defects.

3. At what age would children be affected by exposure to these contaminants? What will exposure to these contaminants do to children?

The time of exposure ATSDR is focused on is during the pregnancy of the mothers living on-base at Camp Lejeune during 1968 – 1985. Research shows that the most likely health effects of in utero exposure to these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) would be birth defects or childhood cancers.

4. How is the study going to benefit those children who have already been diagnosed with a birth defect or cancer?

While there is no direct benefit to those children potentially harmed by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, the information gained during the survey and study will help advance research on this topic and may help future children.

Only a small number of studies have looked at the risk of birth defects and childhood cancers among children born to mothers exposed during pregnancy to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. During the proposed epidemiological study and water modeling, ATSDR will evaluate whether there is a relationship between the contaminants and the higher incidence of childhood cancers and birth defects.

5. Why wasn't a study done on the adults or children that were already born? Were there no possible adverse health effects to these individuals?

Current scientific knowledge, including the public health assessment produced by ATSDR in 1997, suggests that the health of adults exposed to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the base drinking water during the period studied does not appear to be at risk as a result of that exposure. The amount of VOCs present, combined with the duration of exposure to the water would likely not have resulted in an adverse health effect among adults and children.

However, the effects on children in utero (in the womb) are in question. That is why the Camp Lejeune survey was done and why the study is being planned.

Children in the womb are particularly sensitive because of the amount of cell division which occurs during development. Prior research has shown that if a chemical insult (exposure) occurs during cell division, there is a possibility that the baby may not form correctly, resulting in a birth defect. Research also shows that these children may be more prone to childhood cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas.

6. Why aren't you interested in other children who lived on the base during the time period being studied?

While fetuses may be more susceptible, very young children would seem to be almost as susceptible.

The survey looked at children conceived or carried at Camp Lejeune and who were born some time from 1968 through 1985. Studies shows this group is the most sensitive to possible effects from exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).

We do not know if more surveys or studies will be done. Any information you share about your family will be considered if another survey is done.

7. What about the effects to offspring born to those children (now grown) that were exposed to the polluted drinking water while they were in utero?

At this time, ATSDR knows of no scientific evidence that says these offspring could be affected.

8. Is there any way that I can be added to the present survey? I was not born there / I didn't have any kids there, but I was stationed there during the years that the wells were contaminated. I think I could have been eligible.

The survey is closed. Data collection for this survey officially ended on January 26, 2002. Only people who were pregnant while living at Camp Lejeune from 1968 to 1985 were eligible for that survey.

You can send ATSDR your concerns, however. Write a letter stating when you were at Camp Lejeune, the person you are concerned about, and information regarding the health concerns. Please send this information to ATSDR at this address:

Camp Lejeune Survey

1600 Clifton Road, NE

Mailstop E-31

Atlanta, GA 30333

9. Are there any tests I can have done to see if my family/kids/husband/wife may be affected by these contaminants?

Usually, these chemicals leave the body within two to four weeks after the last exposure (which likely was many years ago). Therefore, there is no test to see whether the chemicals are still there because they are most certainly gone by now.

There are no specific medical tests that are recommended for these exposures. Instead, it is recommended that you monitor your health by having routine, regular medical check-ups. We encourage you to discuss this information with your physician. He or she can advise you on your personal health questions.

10. Is there anyone I can talk to who may be able to connect me with others that have similar health situations such as mine or my children's?

Yes, some people who feel they were affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have created a Web site. This site is not affiliated with ATSDR in any way, however, and ATSDR cannot verify the validity of any statements made on the site. The Web site address is: www.watersurvivors.com.

11. I'm sick. Are these contaminants to blame?

Currently, no definitive scientific evidence links the presence of TCE or PCE in drinking water at the levels found at Camp Lejeune with any known condition or disease except for children exposed in utero.

Also, ATSDR can never confirm whether an individual's illness is caused by specific contaminants. Many factors – such as genetic make-up, age, sex, lifestyle, frequency of exposure, time of exposure, quantity of exposure, and others – combine to determine whether a person will become ill from exposure to a toxic substance.

We encourage you to contact your family physician regarding any health concerns you may have regarding your or your family's health.

12. My child/family member has a medical condition. Is this related to the contaminated water?

Currently, no definitive scientific evidence links the presence of TCE or PCE in drinking water at the levels found at Camp Lejeune with any known condition or disease except for children exposed in utero.

Also, ATSDR cannot confirm whether an individual's illness is caused by specific contaminants. Many factors – such as genetic make-up, age, sex, lifestyle, frequency of exposure, time of exposure, quantity of exposure, and others – combine to determine whether a person will become ill from exposure to a toxic substance.

We encourage you to contact your family physician regarding any health concerns you may have regarding your or your family's health.

13. I am a retiree. How can I get copies of my medical records?

You can get your medical records by contacting the National Personnel Records Center. The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository for military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services. NPRC-MPR also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.

Requests must contain enough information to identify the record. This information includes

• Veteran's complete name used while in service
• Service number or social security number
• Branch of service, and
• Dates of service.
• Date and place of birth may also be helpful, particularly if the service number is not known.

If the request pertains to a record that may have been involved in a fire in the facility in 1973, also include place of discharge, last unit of assignment, and place of entry into the service, if known. Send the written request to the following address:.

National Personnel Records Center

Military Personnel Records

9700 Page Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

The NPRC-MPR Web site has additional information.

1. What is water modeling? Why Does ATSDR need It?

ATSDR needs certain information about the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Camp Lejeune's groundwater and drinking water. Little data exists about how chemicals have affected the base's water in the past. Water modeling is a scientific method that will help ATSDR estimate water-system conditions prior to March 1987. Water modeling will help identify where and when certain areas at Camp Lejeune received VOC-contaminated drinking water. ATSDR will use the water modeling results to determine which people were exposed to contaminated drinking water.

2. How many water treatment systems served the base? What water systems on base were contaminated?

Eight water treatment plants provided drinking water to family housing units and barracks at the base prior to March 1987: Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, Holcomb Boulevard, Courthouse Bay, Rifle Range, Onslow Beach, Montford Point/Camp Johnson and New River.

Specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were first detected in finished water at the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace drinking water treatment plants in 1982. In 1984, water supply wells at Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point were sampled and specific VOCs were detected. The modeling of the Tarawa Terrace drinking water system estimated that the system was contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or "PCE") from Nov. 1957-February 1987 at levels above the current EPA maximum contaminant level of 5 parts per billion or ppb. (Note: 1 μg/L of a drinking water contaminant is equivalent to 1 part per billion or ppb.) The highly contaminated wells were shut down in February 1985, and the system itself was shut down in March 1987.

The Holcomb Boulevard drinking water treatment plant began operation in June 1972 and was generally not contaminated with solvents. However, during the dry months in late spring or early summer, the Holcomb Boulevard system occasionally required additional water from the contaminated Hadnot Point system to meet demand. On January 27, 1985, the Holcomb Boulevard system was shut down for repairs until February 7, 1985. During this time, contaminated water from Hadnot Point supplied water to the family housing units in the Holcomb Boulevard system.

Modeling of the Hadnot Point drinking water system estimated that at least one VOC exceeded its current EPA maximum contaminant level in finished water between August 1953 and January 1985.

Below is information on the housing areas on base and which water systems provided their water:

• Tarawa Terrace – served by Tarawa Terrace drinking water system
• Knox Trailer Park – served by Tarawa Terrace and Montford Point/Camp Johnson drinking water systems
• Berkeley Manor, Midway Park, Paradise point – Prior to June 1972, served by Hadnot Point drinking water system
• Berkeley Manor, Midway Park, Paradise Point, Watkins Village – from June 1972 onward, served by Holcomb Boulevard drinking water system, except for occasional periods during dry spring/summer months when supplemental water came from Hadnot Point, and a two-week period in January-February l985 when the Holcomb Boulevard system was down for repairs and Hadnot Point water supplied these units
• Hospital Point – served by Hadnot Point drinking water system
• Barracks/Most Bachelor's quarters – served by Hadnot Point drinking water system
• Courthouse Bay, New River, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson, Rifle Range – served by drinking water systems not contaminated with solvents

3. When was the drinking water contamination discovered?

Specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in finished water at the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace treatment plants in 1982. The samples were collected by Camp Lejeune staff. Finished water at Tarawa Terrace was contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or "PCE"). The maximum level of PCE found in the finished water at Tarawa Terrace was 215 μg/L. The source of the contamination was an off-base dry cleaners. Over time, PCE in ground water degrades into trichloroethylene (TCE), trans 1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) and vinyl chloride. In the Tarawa Terrace system, TCE (8 μg/L) and DCE (12 μg/L) were detected.

In the finished water at the Hadnot Point treatment plant, TCE levels as high as 1,400 μg/L were found. Other contaminants detected in Hadnot Point finished water included PCE (15 μg/L), DCE (407 μg/L) and vinyl chloride (3 μg/L). In one Hadnot Point supply well, benzene levels as high as 720 μg/L were detected. In another Hadnot Point supply well, vinyl chloride levels as high as 655 μg/L were detected.

Other on-base treatment plants were not contaminated.

4. Was the Holcomb Boulevard treatment plant contaminated?

Holcomb Boulevard wells were generally not contaminated with solvents. However, contaminated water from Hadnot Point supplied the Holcomb Boulevard system when the Holcomb Boulevard plant was shut down for almost two weeks during January 27-Febraury 7, 1985. In addition, contaminated water from Hadnot Point was used on occasion to supplement the Holcomb Boulevard supply during dry spring and summer months.

5. Do the ATSDR studies and the water modeling effort take into account contaminant-specific measured concentrations and information?

Yes. The ATSDR health studies and water-modeling efforts take into account contaminant-specific measured concentrations and information, although historically, this information is very limited. The ATSDR summary reports (Chapter A reports) on water modeling at Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard provide specific details on how these data and information were used to reconstruction monthly drinking-water concentrations.

1. What chemicals were found at the Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant?

Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or "PCE") was the main contaminant. The maximum level detected in drinking water was 215 parts per billion (μg/L) in February 1985. The source of contamination was ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry cleaning firm. The most highly contaminated wells were shut down in February 1985. Water modeling that ATSDR conducted for the Tarawa Terrace system is complete. Based on the model results, PCE concentration was estimated to have exceeded the current EPA maximum contaminant level of 5 μg/L in drinking water at the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant for 346 months during November 1957-February 1987. Over time, PCE degrades in ground water to trichloroethylene (TCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) and vinyl chloride. Levels of these chemicals in the Tarawa Terrace drinking water system were also estimated.

Levels of PCE and PCE by-products in the drinking water serving homes in Tarawa Terrace can be viewed in this graph and table.

Benzene was also detected during the sampling of the Tarawa Terrace drinking water system in 1985. Benzene was detected at less than 2 ppb (parts per billion) which is much lower than the current U.S. standard of 5 ppb.

2. What chemicals were found at the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant?

Trichloroethylene (TCE) was the main contaminant. The maximum level detected in drinking water was 1,400 μg/L in May 1982. The current limit for TCE in drinking water is 5 μg/L. Other contaminants detected in finished water at the Hadnot Point treatment plant included DCE (trans 1,2-dichloroethylene), PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride. DCE was detected at a maximum of 407 μg/L in January 1985. There are reported detections of benzene in the finished water at Hadnot Point in late 1985.

There were multiple sources of contamination including leaking underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. The most highly contaminated wells were shut down by February 1985. ATSDR modeled the contamination and determined that at least one VOC exceeded its current EPA maximum contaminant level in finished water between August 1953 and January 1985.

3. What are tricholorethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)? What are VOCs?

TCE and PCE are chemicals that are used in dry cleaning and in cleaning metal parts of machines. VOCs are volatile organic compounds. They are a group of chemicals that generally include solvents and fuels that evaporate easily. TCE and PCE are examples of VOCs.

4. What is benzene?

Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in water.

Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.

5. What is vinyl chloride?

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a colorless gas at room temperature. It is in liquid form if kept under high pressure or at low temperatures. VC has a mild, sweet odor and dissolves slightly in water. It is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. It can be formed when other substances such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) are broken down. VC is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials.

Note: Information on the health effects linked to these chemicals can be found at: Reported health effects linked with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride (VC) exposure.

1. Are there any class action lawsuits going on that you know of?

ATSDR is not aware of any class action lawsuits. However, the USMC is accepting claims against the government based on the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. You can obtain forms from the Navy Judge Advocate General's office by calling 1-202-685-4600.

2. Does the Marine Corps have any liability for any link that may be revealed between the water at Camp Lejeune and childhood illness?

Interested parties should contact the USMC at 1-202-685-4600 or at clwater@usmc.mil. The USMC also has a website.

3. I think my medical condition/disease is related to the water at Lejeune. What should I do?

You may want to talk with an attorney to decide what to do next.

4. What do I need to file a claim form against the Government? Can you help me?

The Federal Tort Claims Act provides a system for submitting claims alleging personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death. The requirements and procedures for filing these claims are published in the Code of Federal Regulations at 32 C.F.R. § 750.

For your convenience, these regulations may be accessed on the Internet at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr. In particular, 32 C.F.R. § 750.27 discusses documents required in support of claims.

Beyond informing you of these regulations, ATSDR cannot provide advice concerning a particular claim you might have. To the extent you feel you may need additional advice to help you file a claim, you may want to consult a private attorney who can exclusively represent your interests.

5. Whom can my attorney contact?

Attorneys may call 1-202-685-4600 or write to the following address:

Department of the Navy
ATTN: Code 15
Office of the Judge Advocate General
Washington Navy Yard, Bldg. 33
1322 Patterson Ave SE Suite 3000
Washington DC, 20374-5066

1. How has ATSDR responded to the recommendations of the NRC 2009 report?

ATSDR has established a final plan to complete our epidemiologic studies at Camp Lejeune. ATSDR considered not only the NRC report, but also the advice of scientific experts from four ATSDR expert panels. In addition, ATSDR has considered comments from individual scientists and our Community Assistance Panel (CAP). ATSDR concludes that our portfolio of epidemiologic studies are scientifically useful. These studies also provide a service to the community of service men and women exposed to contaminated drinking water at USMC Base Camp Lejeune.

2. Will the Department of Navy fund ATSDR's research?

ATSDR is an agency within DHHS and is independent of the DOD/DON/USMC. The work we conduct at superfund sites on governmental property is funded by the responsible agencies. ATSDR provides the DON with an annual funding plan for our work. DON officials must make the final determination to fund ATSDR's research at Camp Lejeune.

3. The NRC report suggests that additional studies of Camp Lejeune are not warranted because exposures were low and of short duration and the difficulty of the historic exposure reconstruction. Why is ATSDR pursuing this research?

ATSDR concludes that our portfolio of epidemiologic studies are not only scientifically useful, but also a service to the community of service men and women exposed to contaminated drinking water at USMC Base Camp Lejeune.

4. ATSDR's letter regarding the 2009 National Research Council report, Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune – Assessing Potential Health Affects

Letter to Dep. Asst. Secretary of the Navy and Dep. Commandant, Installations and Logistics, USMC to provide clarification of ATSDR's position on the findings and conclusions reached in the 2009 NRC report on Camp Lejeune's contaminated water supplies.

1. What was the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this cohort study of Camp Lejeune Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers was to determine if being stationed or employed at Camp Lejeune between 1975 and 1985 (Marines/Navy personnel) or between October 1972 and December 1985 (civilian workers), a portion of the period when the drinking water was contaminated, increased the risk of specific causes of death during the follow-up period between 1979 and 2018 compared to being stationed or employed at Camp Pendleton.

2. What was studied?

The Camp Lejeune Mortality Cohort Study was conducted of Marines and Navy personnel who, between 1975 and 1985, began service and were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina or Camp Pendleton, California and civilian workers employed at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton between October 1972 and December 1985.

Camp Pendleton Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers were chosen as the comparison groups in this study because the base's finished drinking water was not known to be contaminated prior to 1986. Additionally, Camp Pendleton's Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers were similar to Camp Lejeune in terms of demographics, socioeconomic factors, training activities, personnel trained, and types of civilian employee occupations.

3. What were the features of the study?

Few studies have evaluated drinking water exposures to trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, or benzene and the risk of specific causes of death. ATSDR previously conducted cohort Mortality Studies comparing Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers stationed or employed at Camp Lejeune from 1975 to 1985 and 1972 to 1985, respectively, with similar cohorts over the same periods stationed or employed at USMC Base Camp Pendleton, California. The follow-up period for both of the previous Camp Lejeune mortality studies was between 1979 and 2008. The current cohort mortality study extends the follow-up period to 2018.

4. What were the conclusions and key results?

Drinking water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was contaminated with TCE and other industrial solvents from 1953 to 1985. Increased risk of several causes of death was observed among Marines and civilian workers exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune compared to personnel at Camp Pendleton, which is not known to have similar drinking water contamination.

• In Marines and Navy personnel, increased risk of causes of death was observed for kidney, esophageal, and female breast cancer.
• Among civilian workers, increased risk of causes of death was observed for chronic kidney disease, Parkinson disease, and female breast cancer.

5. What testing/treatment does ATSDR recommends?

This work is an update to the previous mortality studies published in 2014. It contributes to what is known about exposures to contaminated drinking water and health impacts. There are no specific medical tests that are recommended for these exposures. Instead, ATSDR recommends that individuals who think they may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune monitor their health by having regular medical check-ups. We also encourage those persons to discuss this information with their physician, who can advise them on their personal health questions.