Chemicals Involved

Overview of Chemicals Involved

Tests from routine water treatment plant sampling and samples of water supply wells identified that trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and benzene contaminated some drinking water sources at Camp Lejeune. They are all colorless chemicals. TCE is a solvent used for cleaning metal parts. PCE is used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing. TCE and PCE degrade in groundwater over time to VC. Benzene is used to make other chemicals which are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers.

FAQs

Chemicals at Camp Lejeune (FAQs)
Commonly asked questions and answers about the chemicals found at Camp Lejeune.

Health Effects

Reported health effects linked with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride (VC) exposure

Benzene

Benzene ToxFAQs
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about Benzene.

Tetrachloroetehylene (PCE or PERC) and Trichloroethylene (TCE)

PCE ToxFAQs
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about PCE.

PCE Toxicological Profile
Provides in-depth information on PCE.

TCE ToxFAQs
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about TCE.

TCE Toxicological Profile
Provides in-depth information on TCE.

TCE Case Studies in Environmental Medicine
The Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) are a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase the primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients.

Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl Chloride ToxFAQs
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about Vinyl Chloride.

Additional Resources

Chemical Safety Information from NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers chemical guides and other resources.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
IARC's mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control.

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Information (OPPT) from EPA
EPA's OPPT offers information to citizens and researchers.

Toxic Substances Information from OSHA
OSHA provides industry standards, training materials, much more.