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In May 1982, scientists found the presence of degreaser tricholoroethylene, or TCE, and the dry-cleaning solvent tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, in the drinking water at Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point housing areas. But wells supplying water to the housing complexes were not shut down until 1985. The source of the contamination was traced to a commercial dry cleaner near the main gate and a vehicle maintenance and body shop on the base. PCE, widely used for dry cleaning, is a volatile organic compound that the Department of Health and Human Services has determined can reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a unit of the department. Some scientific literature has associated the compound with birth defects and childhood cancers. The contaminated drinking water exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level of 5 micrograms per liter. The concentration of PCE in the Tarawa Terrace was estimated to be about 200 micrograms per liter, an ATSDR report stated. A community assistance panel, led by ATSDR, will host a meeting in Atlanta on April 28 where environmental and health experts will discuss future health studies and affected Marines, civilians, and their families can voice concerns. The Department of the Navy is funding two independent research initiatives dedicated to the Camp Lejeune water issue. The National Academy of Sciences is reviewing scientific evidence on associations between adverse health effects and historical data. Results are expected in May. ATSDR is studying whether there is an association between exposure to the water and adverse health effects. Results are expected in 2010, Malugani said. In 2004, ATSDR released results of a health survey of 12,598 children born to women who lived at Camp Lejeune from 1968 to 1985. The survey revealed 103 of the children suffered from childhood cancers or birth defects. The study focused only on babies born at Lejeune during those years and those up to 1 year old. Not included were the thousands of older children and adults who were exposed to the contaminated water. If you think you are affected by this, please register HERE |
