Referring to over 80 conditions, autoimmune disease occurs when the body's natural defense system fails to make the difference between healthy and foreign cells, wrongly attacking the former. Autoimmune disease can be the consequence of toxic exposure, specifically exposure to trichloroethylene, dioxins, solvents, and heavy metals. Some of these hazardous agents were present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and everyone who lived there was exposed to these toxic substances. Trichloroethylene exposure is associated with autoimmune disease in veterans.
These are the most common autoimmune diseases:
Recent medical studies revealed that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, acetone, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, xylene, and toluene, some of which were contaminants lurking in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, may contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. Organic pollutants, toxic metals, solvents, and other endocrine disruptors can result in the following, which can eventually lead to autoimmune disease:
Toxic substances such as mercury, aluminum, dioxins, pesticides, trichloroethylene, and many other environmental contaminants were associated with autoimmunity in animal and human studies. These substances can induce oxidative stress and alterations of immune cell messenger systems. Moreover, toxic chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties can bind to estrogen and pituitary receptors, resulting in immune dysfunction. These mechanisms contribute to immune activation and dysregulation. Finally, in autoimmune thyroid disease, solvents can interfere with iodine transportation and lead to the production of oxidative stress that can trigger an inflammatory response in the thyroid gland.
If you spent time at Camp Lejeune while the drinking water was contaminated and now struggle with autoimmune disease, we encourage you to get in touch with our expert team, as we can easily help you find out whether you are eligible to file a claim and obtain financial compensation. The process is very simple and will take place mostly over the phone.
With over 35 years of experience in evaluating toxic exposure and personal injury claims, our team of professionals is ready to provide you with quality assistance if you are a Camp Lejeune veteran or a family member of one struggling with an autoimmune disease. We can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your unjust suffering. To have your case reviewed, we will only need your military records, which you must retrieve, or evidence of your stay at the military base, and your medical records. If we establish that you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, we will promptly direct you to a reliable, specialized attorney.
10 Minutes Over the Phone
*No fees unless compensation is obtained