Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina experienced a major environmental health crisis when its drinking water became contaminated between the early 1950s and the late 1980s. Hundreds of thousands of military service members, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to the toxic water. This exposure has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions, including those affecting the nervous system and behavior. Decades of research and legislation have followed to provide support for those affected. This article details the neurobehavioral consequences associated with the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
The Scope of Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
The drinking water supply contamination at Camp Lejeune occurred from August 1953 to December 1987, affecting the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace water treatment plants. The primary contaminants were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are industrial solvents known to be neurotoxic. The most prominent VOCs were Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE).
TCE, a solvent used for cleaning metal parts, was found in the Hadnot Point system, originating from sources like industrial spills and leaking storage tanks. PCE, a common dry-cleaning solvent, contaminated the Tarawa Terrace system due to waste disposal practices at an off-base dry cleaner. Concentrations of these chemicals often greatly exceeded current safe drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For example, PCE concentrations in the Tarawa Terrace system exceeded the EPA limit of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for over 340 months. The Hadnot Point system also contained benzene and vinyl chloride. The contaminated wells were not shut down until 1987, meaning approximately one million individuals were potentially exposed to this toxic mixture.
Understanding Neurobehavioral Effects
Neurobehavioral effects describe symptoms and conditions resulting from damage or disruption to the nervous system, altering a person’s behavior, mood, or cognitive function. The term links “neuro,” referring to the brain and nervous system, with “behavioral,” encompassing thought processes, emotions, and observable actions. The toxic VOCs found in the water are neurotoxins, meaning they directly harm nerve cells and compromise central nervous system function.
These effects are distinct from purely physical diseases because they involve impairments in cognitive abilities, psychological stability, and motor control. Neurobehavioral deficits can include problems with memory, attention, learning, and executive functions like decision-making. They also manifest as neuropsychiatric issues, such as chronic anxiety, depression, or significant changes in mood and personality.
The complexity of these conditions stems from the diffuse nature of neurotoxic injury across the brain and nervous system. For those exposed at Camp Lejeune, these effects represent a debilitating consequence of the water contamination.
Specific Conditions Associated with Exposure
Exposure to the contaminants at Camp Lejeune has been scientifically linked to several specific, severe neurobehavioral conditions. The most serious and well-recognized is Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder affecting movement. Studies have indicated that service members stationed at Camp Lejeune had a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those at a base with clean water.
This condition is characterized by motor dysfunction, including tremors, stiffness, balance difficulties, and problems with coordination. The toxic chemicals, particularly PCE, are believed to contribute to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which is the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease.
Beyond Parkinson’s disease, the neurotoxic exposure is associated with a range of persistent cognitive deficits. Many affected individuals report chronic problems with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and general confusion. These cognitive impairments can accumulate over time, sometimes leading to the onset of dementia or significant learning disorders, particularly in those exposed during childhood or in utero.
Impairments in motor function also extend to symptoms like lack of coordination, involuntary muscle movements known as dystonia or dyskinesia, and altered walking gait. Furthermore, the exposure has been connected to serious mental health issues, such as chronic anxiety, depression, and tension, which significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Official Recognition and Support
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and federal legislation officially recognize the neurobehavioral effects linked to the Camp Lejeune contamination, providing healthcare and compensation. The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 includes neurobehavioral effects as a category for which eligible veterans and family members can receive cost-free VA healthcare. Eligibility requires at least 30 days of service or residency on the base between August 1953 and December 1987.
Parkinson’s disease is specifically recognized as one of the eight presumptive service-connected conditions for veterans. This designation simplifies seeking VA disability compensation by presuming the condition is related to service at Camp Lejeune. The VA also expanded coverage under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program to include Parkinson’s disease for eligible family members.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 offers an additional pathway for relief. It allows exposed individuals—including veterans, family members, and civilians—to file a claim against the U.S. government for financial compensation. Filing a claim under the CLJA does not affect eligibility for existing VA healthcare or disability benefits.