NY Man Dies of Cancer Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

A New York resident has died from cancer allegedly linked to toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune, highlighting the ongoing health impacts of one of the largest water contamination incidents in U.S. military history. The victim, who served at the North Carolina Marine Corps base during the contamination period between 1953 and 1987, reportedly developed cancer after drinking and bathing in the contaminated water during his service.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis affected nearly one million military service members, their families, and civilian workers who lived or worked at the base. Scientific studies have connected exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune with various forms of cancer, birth defects, and other serious health conditions. Following the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, veterans and their families can now file claims for compensation related to health issues stemming from their exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

Background on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

In the early 1980s, routine water testing at Camp Lejeune revealed significant contamination in two major water treatment plants serving the base: Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point. The primary contaminants discovered in the water supply included:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride

The contamination at Tarawa Terrace primarily stemmed from an off-base dry cleaning operation, with PCE levels reaching 215 parts per billion in February 1985, far exceeding the EPA’s maximum safe level of 5 parts per billion. At Hadnot Point, TCE contamination reached alarming levels of 1,400 parts per billion in May 1982.

Multiple sources contributed to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, including leaking underground storage tanks, industrial area spills, and improper waste disposal practices. The contamination period extended from 1953 to 1987, with the most heavily contaminated wells being shut down in 1984-1985. The affected water systems served enlisted-family housing, barracks, base administrative offices, schools, recreational areas, and the base hospital.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that PCE concentrations exceeded safety standards for nearly 29 years between November 1957 and February 1987. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one million veterans and civilians were potentially exposed to these contaminated water supplies during this period.

Fred Valentine: A Victim of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Fred Valentine, a 73-year-old New York resident and former Marine, tragically passed away on September 18, 2023, due to cancer linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. His story highlights the devastating long-term effects of environmental hazards on military personnel and their families.

Valentine’s Military Service and Toxic Exposure

Valentine served in the Marines during the Vietnam War era. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for 18 months between 1972 and 1973. During this time, he was unknowingly exposed to contaminated drinking water, a problem that affected the base from the 1950s through the 1980s. The consequences of this exposure were severe for Valentine. He developed multiple forms of cancer, including:

• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bone cancer

These illnesses were directly attributed to his time at Camp Lejeune, as confirmed by military officials just six days before his death.

Recognition of Toxic Exposure and Compensation for Camp Lejeune Victims

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis is a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of environmental hazards on military personnel and the importance of accountability in protecting those who serve. After all, Valentine’s story is part of a larger issue affecting up to one million military staff and their families who may have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. He is also one of hundreds of thousands of veterans who have died from service-related illnesses tied to Camp Lejeune water contamination. This tragic matter underscores the need for ongoing support and compensation for veterans and their families affected by service-related health issues, as well as the critical importance of maintaining safe living conditions on military bases.