An increased risk of neurobehavioral effects and other behavioral disorders has been identified by medical professionals who’ve studied the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Neurobehavioral Effects relating to water contamination at Camp Lejeune are defined as symptoms impacting the relationship between the nervous system and certain behavioral actions.
Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated with a number of chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
These chemicals are known to cause neurological damage.
The National Research Council (NRC) conducted scientific studies on the Camp Lejeune water supply, and found that residents with long term exposure suffered from higher rates of neurobehavioral effects.
The neurobehavioral effects identified by the NRC include the following:
- Fatigue
- Lack of coordination
- Sensory disturbances
- Confusion
- Depression
- Tension
- Trouble concentrating
- Chronic headache
- Deficits in attention, reaction time, visuomotor coordination, motor function, digit symbol, and contrast sensitivity
- Certain neuropsychological disorders such as learning or behavioral disorders.
The findings of the NRC’s studies underscore the need for further research into the long-term health effects of exposure to contaminated water.
It’s also important to note that the NRC excluded neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s from its assessment into neurobehavioral effects.
Other resources, such as the National Academy of Sciences assessment on the health impacts of Camp Lejeune water contamination, recommend the grouping of the aforementioned neurological disorders into the category of neurobehavioral effects.
Neurobehavioral Effects from Water Contamination: A Lifelong Battle
Neurobehavioral effects from water contamination at Camp Lejeune can impact a person for life.
Contaminated water is especially dangerous for babies, children, and young adults whose brains are still developing.
The neurological damage done by contaminated water can greatly impact a person’s quality of life, mental state, and even compound the effects of other devastating health conditions.
It’s not easy to deduce what health effects may stem from these underlying conditions, due to the varying nature between certain victims, but the impact of neurobehavioral effects on a person cannot be understated.
