Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease: Study Finds Veterans Face 70% Higher Risk
- Last Updated: July 14th, 2025
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New Study Finds that TCE Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease
A new study published in JAMA Neurology has found that Camp Lejeune veterans exposed to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply experienced a 70% increased risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease compared to military personnel stationed at other bases.
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a main contaminant in the water at Camp Lejeune, increases the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
TCE has also been linked to several other health conditions experienced by Camp Lejeune victims.
The links between TCE exposure and health problems has been known since the 1950s.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and subsequently were diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.
Contact TruLaw for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join others diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in filing Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.
Table of Contents
What is TCE?
Trichloroethylene (TCE) was a main contaminant in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Researchers have known for decades that TCE water contamination and exposure have been linked to severe health problems.
TCE and Parkinson’s Disease Risk
TCE presents a major risk for developing Parkinson’s Disease.
The chemical has been used in a variety of industries for decades, and researchers believe that its widespread use may be contributing to the growing number of Parkinson’s Disease cases we are seeing today.
Below is a list of scientific studies linking TCE exposure and Parkinson’s Disease:
- Risk of Parkinson Disease Among Service Members at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (May 2023)
- Trichloroethylene: An Invisible Cause of Parkinson’s Disease? (March 2023)
- Trichloroethylene, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the risk for Parkinson’s disease (January 2020)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) Is A Risk Factor For Parkinsonism, Study Shows (January 2008)
- The industrial solvent trichloroethylene induces LRRK2 kinase activity and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease (June 2021)
- Trichloroethylene and Parkinson’s Disease: Risk Assessment (December 2017)
- Trichloroethylene and Parkinson’s disease: dissolving the puzzle (January 2014)
- Solvents and Parkinson disease: A systematic review of toxicological and epidemiological evidence (February 2013)
- Trichloroethylene: Parkinsonism and complex 1 mitochondrial neurotoxicity (February 2008)
- Toxin Models of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease (March 2012)
- Trichloroethylene and parkinsonism: a human and experimental observation (February 2003)
- Industrial toxicants and Parkinson’s disease (March 2012)
- Solvent exposures and parkinson disease risk in twins (November 2011)
How Does TCE Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
According to researchers at the University of Rochester, animal studies have indicated that TCE exposure causes:
“…selective loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease in humans”.
The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated by TCE for decades.
The source of the TCE in the water supply at Camp Lejeune was likely an off-base dry cleaner.
TCE is widely used as a dry cleaning agent, as well as a metal degreaser.
Exposure to TCE can happen in many ways, but most commonly through ingestion of contaminated drinking water, as we’ve seen at Camp Lejeune.
TCE can linger in contaminated water and air for quite some time.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Updates TCE Risk Evaluation
In January 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Final Evaluation for Trichloroethylene, which stated the following:
“EPA determined that TCE, as a whole chemical substance, presents unreasonable risk to human health.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thoroughly evaluated the health risks associated with TCE, highlighting concerns such as developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and cancer.
Inhalation or dermal exposures to TCE have been identified as the primary factors contributing to these risks.
Based on the EPA’s assessment, it has been determined that 52 out of 54 conditions of use of TCE, including manufacturing, import, processing, industrial and commercial uses, consumer uses, and disposal, present an unreasonable risk of injury to health.
This comprehensive evaluation underscores the serious nature of the health hazards associated with TCE exposure, including Parkinson’s Disease.
However, it is important to note that two out of 54 conditions of use, specifically consumer use of TCE in pepper spray and distribution in commerce, have not been identified as driving the unreasonable risk.
How Did TCE and Other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Enter the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune water contamination was widespread and lasted for over 30 years.
Toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
- And almost seventy other toxic substances
Toxic chemicals entered the Camp Lejeune water supply through underground storage tanks and two (2) water treatment plants:
- Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant
- Hadnot Point Treatment Plant
Service members, their family members, National Guard members, and civilian workers used the water at Camp Lejeune daily, and we’re consistently exposed to highly toxic chemicals that have lifelong health implications.
Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
Our Camp Lejeune Lawyers know what it takes to file a successful claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
We will advocate for maximum financial compensation, and if your claim is not adjudicated within six months, we are able to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit on your behalf.
We understand the stress associated with Parkinson’s Disease, lack of health care benefits and disability compensation awarded for Camp Lejeune water contamination, and the potential legal process that lies ahead.
Our law firm can help you.
Contact us today or use the chatbot to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuits aren’t limited to only military service members and military personnel.
Family members and others, such as National Guard Members, civilian workers, and other people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: How Former Camp Lejeune Residents Can Secure Financial Compensation
For decades, many Camp Lejeune victims were unable to secure VA health care, VA benefits, disability benefits, and other health care benefits for exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
Numerous attempts were made to legislate change for Camp Lejeune victims, including the Camp Lejeune Families Act, Janey Ensminger Act, and others.
Though steps in the right direction, sizable change for Camp Lejeune victims and their family members was not achieved until August 2022.
In August 2022, the Honoring Our PACT Act was signed into law by President Biden.
The PACT Act included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, allowing victims to seek compensation from the federal government for Camp Lejeune water contamination.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows victims to file administrative claims and seek compensation for illnesses linked to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply.
If a claim is not adjudicated by the Navy JAG within six months, Camp Lejeune victims are able to file a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act overrides a North Carolina statute that barred Camp Lejeune litigation for toxic water contamination.
If you’ve been harmed by the toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune, you can seek legal action.
Contact us today for more information.
Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits
If you’ve been effected by Camp Lejeune contamination, you need to gather all evidence relevant to your potential claim.
Evidence for Camp Lejeune water contamination may include:
- Medical records and medical bills
- Information on VA Health Care or other VA Benefits
- Military service records
- Residential and housing information
- Photos or videos
- Employment records
- Any other evidence proving that you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1987 and 1953
To retrieve medical records stored by the Veterans Health Administration, visit this website.
Those stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River may also have been impacted by Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently developed Parkinson’s Disease or other health problems, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit.
Contact TruLaw for more information on filing Camp Lejeune claims and Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.
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With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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