Impacts of Toxic Exposure on the Long-Term Health of Veterans
Many veterans have health problems as a result of having worked on a military base. To perform maintenance on ships or removing waste, many bases are exposed to harsh chemicals, resulting in the long-term health risks of a service member.
Toxic Exposure at Camp Lejeune
Veterans who served on American bases may have been exposed to hazardous solvents used for routine maintenance.At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune three out of the eight water distribution systems tested positive for volatile organic compounds in 1982. Trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, benzene, and other pollutants were among these volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At the military base, these VOCs affected the groundwater, air, and soil. The drinking water used for eating and washing was contaminated, and many people suffered through cancer and other life-altering illnesses as a direct result of exposure, which was unknown to its active-duty personnel and inhabitants.
Complete list of Cancers at Camp Lejeune Linked to Contaminated Water
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Breast Cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
Other hazardous exposure claims involving military bases sometimes involve events that happened abroad. The VA may grant restitution to veterans who participated in the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange, an herbicide combination that the American military utilized.
National Attention to Toxic Exposure
The issue of military toxic exposure has recently attracted a lot of national attention. The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or the PACT Act, a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the research, care, and benefits around these injuries, was completed by Congress in August of 2022 and signed into law.
As a part of the PACT Act, all veterans enrolled in VA Health Care will have required screenings every five years. VA officials state that by screening all department patients, they will be able to help veterans remain healthy, give doctors more knowledge about prevalent injuries, and provide researchers with clearer picture of the effects on the veteran community.
Are You A Veteran Concerned About Toxic Exposure?
Our understanding of toxic substances, their effects, and our familiarity with thousands of industrial sites and dangerous products means the tedious research has been done. Goldberg, Persky & White P.C.’s, is already equipped to protect your rights in an effective and aggressive manner thanks to our extensive knowledge base and years of experience.
