By Major S.J. Fazekas
An agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services is conducting a survey of Marines, Sailors, and their family members who may have lived aboard Camp Lejeune between 1968 and 1985. The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry study has to do with substances called volatile organic compounds or VOCs. VOCs are often used as cleaners and degreasers. More specifically, the ATSDR is interested in tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a commonly used dry-cleaning solvent and trichloroethylene (TCE), a degreaser (chemical cleaner)
These substances were found in the water distribution systems in Tarawa Terrace and Hospital Point in the early 1980's If you or someone you know lived aboard Camp Lejeune between 1968 and 1985, you are encouraged to participate in this survey. Call the National Opinion Research Center (NORC), the organization conducting the survey for ATSDR, at 1-800-639-4270.
For more information about the study or about VOCs, call ATSDR at
1-888-42ATSDR (422-8737) or visit their website at
http://atdsr1.cdc.gov. For more general information
call Camp Lejeune Public Affairs toll free at 1-877-261-9782.
Or visit their website at www.lejeune.usmc.mil under water survey.
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