Experts Believe Camp Lejeune Chemical May Be Fueling Rise Of ‘World’s Fastest Growing Brain Condition’, Parkinson’s Disease

A March, 2023, study from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals the true dangers of one of the deadly chemicals that contaminated the water at North Carolina Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Trichloroethylene (“TCE”) contaminated Camp Lejeune’s water supply from the 1950’s to the late 1980’s, and, as a consequence, approximately one million veterans and their family members were exposed to the harmful toxin on a daily basis. But what is TCE and how is it linked to the debilitating brain condition Parkinson’s Disease? Here we examine just what TCE is and its clear and present dangers to humans.

Trichloroethylene: A Chemical Originally Thought to be Helpful

TCE did not start out as a well-known extremely toxic chemical that could harm humans. In fact, TCE has been used for many benign and routine processes, such as to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metals, and as a chemical in dry cleaning clothes. In fact, the TCE found in Camp Lejeune’s water came from a nearby private dry-cleaning operation that leached the toxic chemicals into the water supply. Both TCE and perchloroethylene (PCE) were found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply at levels up to 280 times what is considered to be safe for humans.

Trichloroethylene and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is likely best known for its debilitating symptoms of shaking, uncontrollable movements and motions, stiffness, and for causing deficits in balance and coordination. Parkinson’s disease symptoms can progress to the point that those who have it may have trouble with basic activities of daily living, such as talking and walking, and may experience other serious physical and mental health issues such as problems with sleep, memory, and changes in behavior.

In the human body, TCE is thought to destroy brain cells called mitochondria, and causes “selective loss” of cells that manufacture dopamine. This is thought to be the causal link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease. Accordingly, those who have had direct contact with the chemical, such as through direct exposure to the highly contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, are at risk for developing the serious brain condition.

Help with Your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim in Houston

Thousands of veterans have now filed claims under new legislation that entitles those who were injured as a result of exposure to the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune to get compensation. If you or a loved one lived at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to toxic water that resulted in a diagnosis of a serious illness, cancer, or condition, learn about your rights to compensation under the PACT Act. The experienced Houston mass tort lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your time at Camp Lejeune, and to see if they can help you get justice for your injuries. Contact the experienced lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm today and speak to a Houston mass tort lawyer about your rights and options for free.

Source:

urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/common-dry-cleaning-chemical-linked-to-parkinsons-disease