As the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women, lung cancer is the result of smoking in 85% of cases. Still, the disease can also occur as a consequence of having drunk toxic water at Camp Lejeune during the last century. Two solvents that were lurking in the water at the military base were found to have a strong association with lung cancer – perchloroethylene and vinyl chloride. Exposure to these highly dangerous chemicals increases the risk of developing lung cancer by up to 40%.
Perchloroethylene exposure may also be a risk factor for lung cancer, particularly among women. It is worth noting that it is mostly solvent combinations that are the cause of lung cancer rather than exposure to one solvent. The solvent trichloroethylene is responsible for asthma and chronic bronchitis, diseases that place veterans and family members who lived at Camp Lejeune at a higher lung cancer risk over time. When the solvent accumulates in cells, these biological alterations occur, which are risk factors for lung cancer:
Finally, another organic solvent with a strong lung cancer association is vinyl chloride. The lungs rapidly absorb vinyl chloride, and the solvent accumulates in lung tissue. Animal studies found that frequent exposure to vinyl chloride causes a high incidence of bronchioloalveolar adenoma, a benign lung tumor that can become malignant over time. These are the possible health effects of long-term exposure to vinyl chloride above the maximum safe level on the lungs:
If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune, either as a veteran or a family member of one, and now struggle with lung cancer, we encourage you to contact Atraxia Law, as we have the necessary experience, resources, and knowledge to help you determine whether you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim for your disease and obtain financial compensation. The legal process is very simple and will require minimal involvement from you, as we understand how physically and emotionally draining having lung cancer can be.
Our expert team has over 35 years of experience in reviewing toxic exposure and personal injury claims. If you lived at Camp Lejeune while the drinking water was contaminated and now struggle with lung cancer, either as a veteran or a family member of one, do not hesitate to contact us, as we can easily help you find out whether you can file a claim. The only necessary documents are your military records, which you must retrieve, or evidence of your stay at the military base, and your medical records. Eligible veterans and family members will be recommended a trustworthy, reliable attorney to file their claims as soon as possible.
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