MCAS El Toro: EPA Superfund

The Navy (DON) identified 25 sites requiring investigation and remediation at MCAS El Toro. DON reported in Sept 1997 that the existing condition of the following sites is protective of human health and the environment: Sites 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 25. In June 2001, Sites 7 and 14 were added to this list.

Site 1- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Range: Site is located in the northeast portion of the base in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Training for EOD and detonation of munitions was conducted at this site since 1952.

Site 2 - Magazine Road Landfill: During the 1970s, all solid waste from El Toro and some waste from MCAS Tustin was disposed in this landfill. Suspected types of waste include construction debris, municipal waste, batteries, waste oils, hydraulic fluids, paint residues, transformers, and waste solvents.

Site 3 -Original Landfill: Original Landfill, active from 1943 to 1955, encompasses approximately 11 acres and is located in the eastern portion of El Toro. Site 3 was the original Station landfill, which was operated as a cut-and-fill disposal facility.

Site 4 -Ferrocene Spill Area: Drainage ditch adjacent to North 9th Street, near building 658, with soil and/or groundwater contamination from ferrocen and hydrocarbon carrier spill that occurred in 1983.

Site 5 -Perimeter Road Landfill: Perimeter Road Landfill, active from 1955 to the late 1960s, encompasses approximately 1.8 acres and is located in the eastern portion of El Toro.

Site 6 -Drop Tank Drainage Area No.1: From approximately 1969 to 1983, aircraft drop tanks were transported to this site where their remaining fuel was drained from the tanks.

Site 7 -Drop Tank Drainage Area No. 2: Contamination from JP-5 and waste lubricating oil disposed of on area soil as a dust suppressant from 1969 to 1983.

Site 8 -DPDO Storage Area: The DRMO was the storage area for containerized liquids, scrap, and salvage materials from El Toro and MCAS Tustin.

Site 9 -Crash Crew Pit No.1: Between 1965 and 1971, site was used as a training area for crash crew. During training exercises, two pits were filled with water and covered with various mixtures of residual fuels and other combustible fluids (e.g., JP-5 fuel, aviation gasoline, crankcase oil, and other wastes).

Site 10 -Petroleum Disposal Area: From 1952 through 1970, an estimated 52,000 gallons of liquid wastes, including crankcase oil, antifreeze, hydraulic and transmission fluids, motor oil, and solvents, were sprayed over the site for dust control.

Site 11 -Transformer Storage Area: From 1968 to 1983, Site 11, Transformer Storage Area, was used for storage of electrical transformers on a concrete pad (Unit 1) and a storage yard (Unit 3) at the site.

Site 12 -Sludge Drying Beds: Located west of building 493, a secondary treatment plant dewatered sludge in drying beds. Contamination included VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, PCBs, TPH, TRPH, herbicides, and metals. Eighty cubic yards of sludge was plowed under at this location.

Site 13 -Oil Change Area: Soil contamination from land disposal of heavy equipment waste crankase oil. Trucks weredriven to the area for oil changes, and crankcase oil was frequently drained onto the ground.

Site 14 -Battery Acid Disposal Area: Heavy metal, organic compound, and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from battery acids oil wastes and paint wastes disposed on soil.
Site 15 -Suspended Fuel Tanks: Diesel fuel spill of more than 500 gallons from elevated fuel tanks between 1979 and1984.

Site 16 -Crash Crew Pit No. 2: Site is located near the center of the former airfield.

Site 17 -Communication Station Landfill: Landfill adjacent to buildings 394 and 573 containing an unkown quantity of liquid wastes.

Site 18 -Perimeter Investigation Area: Investigation to identify whether TCE contamination observed off-station are result of past waste generation or disposal activities on-station.

Site 19 - Aircraft Expeditionary Refueling Site: Soil and/or groundwater contamination from JP-5 fuel and a fuel bladder rupture that occurred in early 1986. JP-5 fuel contained in six 20,000-gallon above ground fuel bladders was piped to aircraft refueling stations along the edge of the concrete apron.

Site 20 -Hobby Shop (Building 626): Soil contamination from used oil and solvents.

Site 21 -Material Management Group & Supply Center Storage: The site was part of the supply distribution center for MCAS El Toro and other Marine facilities and was used for the storage of drummed materials since approximately 1946. Soil contamination from leaking drums.

Site 22 -Tactical Air Fuel Dispensing System (TAFDS) Operations Area: Soil and groundwater contamination from leaking tanks, fittings and hoses.

Site 23 -Wastewater Treatment Plant Sewer Lines: The Navy conducted a Resource Conservation and Recovery Tct (RCRA) facilities assessment (RFA) at MCAS El Toro.

Site 24 – VOC Source Area: VOCs are present in soil and groundwater. VOCs present at the site include TCE, PCE, 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE), and carbon tetrachloride.

Site 25 – Four Main Drainage Channels (Agua Chinon, Bee Cayon, Marshburn Channel and Borrego Canyon Washes): DON included these washes under Site 25 because it was not known whether the major drainages were acting as a source of regional VOC contamination in the Irvine Groundwater Subbasin.

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)

Harrison G. Butler III M.D.

Dr. Butler has been a successful leader for the medical profession for over thirty years. While in private practice of general and vascular surgery, he was a tireless patient advocate. After suffering a spinal cord injury, he became a disabled veteran advocate while working for the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Washington D.C. Dr. Butler has brought a lifetime of advocacy to help veterans with health claims before the Veterans Board of Appeals, and has done so for years. He served in the Army Medical Corps and is disabled so he understands the plight of the veteran with disabilities and brings this special understanding when helping the veteran deal with the VA. Independent medical evaluations from physician's with experience can profoundly and positively influence a veteran's appeal to the Veterans Administration.

Contact:
Phone: (405) 364-3887
Fax: (405) 364-4826
Address: 1612 Crown Point Ave.
Norman, Oklahoma 7372
Email: harrisongb3@cox.net

Monday, June 22, 2009

NEXUS STATEMENT

The nexus letter is the key to winning a VA compensation claim. Nexus is defined as "the means of connection between things linked in series".

A veteran needs to seek an expert physician who will review your complete medical records and write a letter stating that it is his or her opinion that your injury (condition) today is related to the military service.

The nexus letter should follow a similar format to all letters that you use to communicate to VA. It may be addressed directly to you or in a "To Whom It May Concern" style. If the physician is willing to provide you with a current curriculum vitae (a resume) that will support the physician's expertise.

The nexus letter should follow the standard business format we always use when writing to the VA. This template below may be used as a beginning for your letter.

Date

VIA Certified Mail, Return Receipt

Reference: Your full name

Your reference numbers, SSN, etc.

To Whom It May Concern;

I am a (specialty) physician (Medical Doctor).

I have reviewed the Service Medical Record of Veteran ______________as well as his/her more contemporary medical records and history.

(If a physical examination has occurred, discuss that and report the findings now.)

(Describe rationale. For example; This veteran has no known history of exposure to risk factors that may pose a risk for __________________. There is no known history of this condition in his/her family history.)

I have concluded and it is my opinion that it is as least as likely as not that the veteran's current condition of (name the condition, illness, injury) was caused by exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and/or tetrachloroethylene (PCE) while on active duty at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), El Toro, California. [1]

(Signed)

Address, etc.

Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae

[1] Reasonably Medically Certain: Often used by attorneys in instructions to physicians in medical malpractice cases and sometimes incorrectly used by VA leadership in instructions to physicians in VA benefit cases, but the correct threshold standard for VA cases as per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Congress for granting benefits is the “as likely as not” concept (50-50) which means that the medical evidence/medical principles for and against the association is at least evenly divided. This is a different standard than the one used in clinical medical for evidence, which is set at the 95% confidence level because the VA regulations have been liberally and generously established by our citizens who recognize the risks and value of service to out country.

"is due to" (100% sure)

"more likely than not" (greater than 50%)

"at least as likely as not" (equal to or greater than 50%)

"not at least as likely as not" (less than 50%)

"is not due to" (0%)

Ref: VA’s Clinician’s Guide for Disability Examination;

0 comments:

MAIL CALL

Email comments to: rodowd@live.com

When I was a member of VMR 352 or 152 in the early '50's I worked in the engine shop in Hanger 296. One of my duties was to degrease engine parts. That was done in the large tank or vat into which I periodically hoisted 55 gallon drums, using the overhead crane, and emptied the contents of TCE/PCE into the water in the tank. By heating the mixture a vapor was released into which I lowered a large metal basket containing parts to be cleaned and in seconds it was done. I have no idea how the waste was disposed of. I believe the tank was located in the attached Bldg. on the east Side of 296 as it is shown.Semper Fi, Bill

I and my family spent 1967-1969 in the Lejeune area, first as Sgt Maj of 1/6 then as Sgt Maj of MACS 5 at New River. You could probably find many other Marines and their families that would be considered as getting a double whammy. Semper Fi Bill

I represent the Gray Beard era - MABS-37 from Feb.57 to September of '58. We were on the upper deck of the big hangar that, as I recall, was the 'eastern hangar' of the two big ones. Saw a lot of TCE 'up-close-and-personal' as the aircraft strip down was done below us. At the TCE 'hose-down' stage, clouds of the stuff would waft on the wind - get into the upper level. As I recall, a single F9F could use up to a 1/3rd of a 55-gallon drum. Excess TCE simply drained into a sump outside the hangar door. If you were entering or exiting the hangar while this segment was underway you had to stand back and not let the stuff get on your uniform of the day. If you got spritized - goodbye your clothing - would eat away the cloth like a moth. Replacement, as I recall, was at your own expense . . .As another Marine has already reported, in the other big hangar, open tanks of TCE were used to accept the exhaust stacks from the R5D's - other recips undergoing overhaul or repair (Sears Report). We need to find more Marines who can speak to these issues from a 'hand's-on-experience' . . .The problem, as Robert and I have concluded, is that a lot of these Marines are either dead or dying (family members included). You can see this by reading through the Marine Air Transport Association quarterly newspapers going back to 2000. The 'obits' would leave one to believe that dozens of these Marines - spanning literally decades of service - have died from conditions that fairly scream out "CLUSTER CANCER" with TCE fingerprints! John

My son-in-law passed away last month from cancer. He had just turned 27 and had been married to my daughter for seven years. She is really crushed by the whole ordeal. He was not a smoker but he was in the Marine Corps for five years. While in the Corps he was an avionics man assigned to a training squadron so he didn't deploy overseas but they did participate in live fire exercises in Yuma, Arizona several times. Are you aware of any cases of Marines exposed to toxic or cancer causing agents in Yuma, AZ during the time frame of 2000-2005? Mike WOW! Thanks for this info. I had a tumor taken out of my right thigh in June 1986... Hmmmm. Eric, MWSG-37.

Thank you so very much for the info. I have never shared my illnesses with anyone on this site but I have MS and NEVER suffered illnesses until I got to El Toro and Tustin bases. Marine, MWSS-374

My dad was a US Marine during the Vietnam War. He was stationed, among other places, at El Toro and Camp Lejeune. I've learned of the TCE contamination at both bases and know for sure that he was in the specific area that was contaminated at El Toro, and am looking into where he was at Lejeune. This is relevant to the reason I am writing because my dad is terminally ill with glioblastoma, a rare cancer that has been linked to TCE exposure. I believe that it is directly a result of his time in the military. Erin.

I was based at MCAS El Toro from 1986-1988. I worked at MWSS-371 and at MWSG-37 Headquarters. I am concerned about my health. Can you please send me some information pertaining to the contamination or anything that I need to submit? I want to make sure that I was not affected. Scott

I was stationed at Lejeune in 1966. Exposed to VOCs. Went to Vietnam in 1966, came home 1968. Exposed to Agent Orange. Went to MWSG-37 in 1968 exposed to VOCs. I have had removal of my tongue due to cancer. Reconstruction of my oral cavity along with partial removal of neck contents bilaterally. Additional post operative radiation therapy. That was in 1999. In 2007 the cancer came back and I had two more operations. My son has severe asthma, and my daughter severe keloids. I have been denied by the VA twice. Mark.This is a really useful and powerful statement (Presumptive Disability for TCE Veterans). My TCE site is an industrial site but my son's father was based at Camp Lejeune in the 80's and fought in the Gulf War and the Bosnian conflict. He was diagnosed with liver failure at the age of 38, 6 years ago. Although he gets disability benefits of about $1200 a month most of that is taken up by his rent. It's very sad to see how much he suffers. Basically he's too sick to fight for himself like he fought for this country. I'm glad to be able to tell him someone is fighting for him. Amanda.

Thanks for adding me on your list. I was with H&HS, in JRC and SEP. Drove by El Toro about 5 years ago and it sure looks different now that it is not a MCAS. I was there from Feb71 to Jul 72. Semper Fi, Mark

My father served in the Marine Corps for almost 24 years from January 10, 1952 to August 1975. I just recently heard of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and now El Toro too. Our family was stationed at El Toro in January 1965 until he received his orders in October of 1965 to DaNang, Vietnam , In January 1967 he received order to Camp Lejeune we were there from 1967 to 1970 then he received order for a second tour of duty in DaNang Vietnam. On his return to the States we went back to El Toro and he was stationed there from February 1971, until he received orders for what was to be his last tour overseas to Iwakuni, Japan in 1972 and in 1973, he returned to El Toro where he retired in 1975. He passed away most unexpectantly in 2004, not having been outwardly sick; he just seemed to slow down, His heart just stopped in his sleep one night. This discovery of toxic waters is alarming to me, when we were in Lejeune; we lived in the Tarawa Terrace housing tract. I learned of a website that may interest some called THE STAND at http://www.watersurvivors,com/ the 2 women Terry Dyer and Karen Strand sisters who lived at Tarawa Terrace for 15 years since their father John Fristoe was Principal at Tarawa Terrace Elementary school, he was my Principal. Many who lived there have discovered common health problems. Just make you wonder! Karen

Spent two years at El Toro, assigned to H&HS-37 in the Wing Supply Support Division (WSSD). WSSD in the 1960s was located on the 2nd deck in the north end of Bldg. 296, ground zero for the TCE plume. Had a series of prostate tumors, starting at age 43. Survived stage 2/3 bladder cancer in late 2005, which my urologist believes was "probably" due to exposure to TCE/PCE at El Toro. No family history of bladder cancer and I'm a non-smoker and drinker. Bob

You say that these chemicals were only used until the mid 1970's but I know for a fact that they were used up until the early 1990's. How do I know because we used them OFTEN? As you said they were a degreaser and an outstanding one at that. They were also used for hydraulic contamination testing and keeping hydraulic components and equipment clean. When I was with VMA(AW)-121 and MALS-11 we would use the stuff daily (1-5 gallons). I think the hangers that you are referring to are the KC-130 hangers on the west end of the base. I do know of a Marine that spent most of his career in that hanger and died of cancer soon after retiring (months), the VA/USMC claimed not military related. We took up a big collection in the squadron/KC-130 community to help his family pay for medical bills. Bill

I have just now heard of the TCE contamination on the base (El Toro), and I do not know what to do. I lived there in the late 80s early 90s. I had major headaches when living there and still suffer from them to this day, the doctors don't know why. I just need some more info on all of this. I now have 2 kids and need to know all I can about this. Like how to get tested. My mother died of cancer 7 years ago and I also need to know what type of cancer this stuff causes; my little sister has also found out that she had cancer cells in her reproductive area. If you could, would you please email me back or message me or something. Katherine

My ex-husband was stationed on El Toro from 1993-1995 and then in SC. Shortly after leaving CA, I found out I had 11 tumors; I suspected that the base was illegally dumping in to the ground but I don't know which one. Terri

TCE and PCE are eliminated from the human body (for the most part) within 72 hours after exposure ceases. The question is, what damage did it do while it was in the body? J. M.

I just read the article by Tim King about the contaminated ground water at MCAS El Toro, CA. I was stationed there for a year in the early 80's and I am trying to get on his list of people who served there and were not notified about the contamination. Tom

I just wanted to say that I am very interested in learning everything there is to know about the contamination at El Toro. I am a female who served in the Marine Corps from 1990-1995. I spent the last 2 years of my enlistment at El Toro ...I worked directly on the airplanes. I washed them, fueled them, repaired them, etc. Now I have breast cancer. I have 2 cancerous lumps that just happen to be 2 different types of cancer. This is rare. There is only a 1-5% chance of this happening. I also have positive lymph nodes in my armpit, am undergoing chemotherapy and will be getting a mastectomy later this year. I am trying to get my cancer service connected and this new information may help my case. If I can be of any help please let me know. I would really appreciate any information that comes up regarding the base. Pat

I was stationed at El Toro from 1987-1989 with MWSS-373 support squadron. We Marines used a lot of degreaser to clean the military vehicles. I lived on the base, need to get on the list to find out the symptoms of TCE exposure. MWSS-37 was located very close to were I worked. My wife was there from 86-90 has had numerous health issues including unexplained headaches and sleep disorder as well as neurological including MS. Steve

I stumbled on the story about El Toro yesterday. I served from 84 to 87 in the Navy there and my ex-husband whom I was married to at the time was a Marine there. (During some of that time I also lived on Camp Pendleton when my husband was stationed there.) I worked for H&HS Supply and I was also pregnant and gave birth during that time. Several years ago I had a bilateral breast biopsy and they found I have fibroadmoma tumors. Denise

I am a former member of VMO-2 at Camp Pendleton from 1973-1977. We also used TCE to clean hydraulic components on the OV-10's. We never told of the dangers of using this product and never wore protective clothing or eyewear. We used TCE extensively on a daily basis from one gallon containers. I had often wondered what caused my illnesses and always thought that TCE was the culprit but had no way to prove a nexus. I even got in touch with former VMO-2 who has also been wondering if there was a link between TCE and illnesses. Because of your hard work and this wonderful and informative website, I now have a good chance of proving my nexus. Desi

I was stationed at MCAS El Toro from 12/1973 - 06/1974 and again from 3/1976 - 1/1977. I was assigned to MWSG-27 (H&MS-37). I worked directly on the flight line on one of the hangers. I was a computer operator (MOS 4034) assigned to the Data Processing Center (DPC) which was located at the end on the hanger right off the flight line. I have had medical problems (stomach & others) after my enlistment. I also have a son that as a child had medical problems (stomach). John

I was an enlisted ordnance man with VMA - 214 Black Sheep Squadron from 1985-88. I loaded heavy munitions on the A4-M Sky Hawk and when these aircraft would return after dropping the bombs, we were required to break down and clean either the "MER" or "TER" ejection racks. Part of this cleaning process consisted of "secretly" soaking certain parts in a solvent that came in 5 gallon green cans with yellow lettering stating that it was TCE. I was told that we were not to get caught using this solvent because it was not an authorized cleaning agent, only soap and water was to be used. The 5 gallon cans were always kept out of sight until I poured them into a 55 gallon drum that was cut in half, length ways and mounted in a welded frame. The parts would stay in the solvent for 24 hours then I had to remove them by hand and place them into 5 gallon buckets filled with soap and water, take them into the hangar and scrub them. I cannot count the times that I did that process but I spent many hours with my arms, elbow deep in that solvent. I remember being amazed at how quickly the solvent would evaporate off my arms when I brought them out of the soaking drum. Chris
There are even more toxic chemicals on El Toro than TCE. I worked at the aviation ordnance compound that supported the flight line. At that compound back in the 1980's we still made Napalm using composition b and composition c mixture. I personally witnessed major spills of the toxin within the pad (work area) of the ordnance compound. If the wind was blowing in the right direction you could smell the chemicals in the area. The spills were cleaned up by the munitions crew by washing off the pad with the use of kitty litter (quick sorbwater ) and water but you could still smell chemicals in the area. The pad was adjacent to the run way 2R I believe it was at the end near a field. I would know the place if I saw the layout once again. I truly believe that the health problem (IPF) that I am facing now is partly due to my military service. Please if at all possible notify all my Marine brothers and sisters that worked in the aviation ordnance repair compound from 1981 to 1984. I have been out of touch with all but a handful since my EAS of 8/1984. Thomas

I was also stationed at El Toro during the early an late 80's with MWSS-373 squadron cleaned a lot of parts , need to find out who knows what questions to ask doctors out there, thanks. Steve

When my Marine veteran husband developed brain cancer, his neurosurgeon asked if he had ever been exposed to toxic chemicals. He was stationed at El Toro and Camp Lejeune in the 1960's but we knew nothing of the TCE/PCE exposure. My husband died March 24 2008. Susan

I am a Marine who served at this base in the mid-60's. I am also a local resident, in a unique position I am an outraged water quality activist who attended the reuse sub-committee regarding soil and water contamination plus the early Great Park committee meetings. None of my complaints about thorough remediation was ever addressed to my satisfaction. Instead, most of my concerns about costs or questionably effective remediation technologies only resulted in being shunned or marginalized. Thank God someone isn't allowing this cover-up farce to be swept under the carpet. It needs transparency----As Marines we always got the oldest equipment, always asked to be the first to fight, first to die while using the poorest tools and fewest men. Roger

I was stationed at El Toro from 1971 to 1973. We used to wash down our C-130 aircraft with chemicals to get the jet exhaust off the aircraft. They used to use JP4 jet fuel for this purpose as well. The run off went down the drains on the flight lines. They would also bring in a private contractor to clean aircraft and I would help them on my time off to earn extra money. Could I have been affected by the chemicals? Should I be talking with the VA about any health issues? Glenn

I was stationed at El Toro and also at Camp Lejeune NC. I have had untreatable skin rashes and blisters digestive disorders and tumors in the intestinal tract that required surgery removing part of the colon and small intestines. Johann

I am suffering from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and was stationed at El Toro from 1981 to 1984. I worked with in hanger 2 H&MS-13. We used the chemicals in question on a regular basis to clean the parts of the aircraft weaponry and other aircraft parts. There were no warning signs that the chemicals used were dangerous nor were there PPE to protect us at that time. The doctors are still trying to determine the extent of the disease. I hope that I will be able to live another 5 years. Sergeant T.

I was a teacher at El Toro Marine for five years. Many of the veteran teachers who had worked on the base over the years had been chronically sick and some had various types of cancer. I am not sick now that I am aware of, but I fear what I may have been exposed to. Kimberly

MY BROTHER AND I WERE STATIONED AT EL TORO BETWEEN 1964 THRU 1967. WE BOTH HAVE MANY PHYSICAL PROBLEMS. MY BROTHER DEVELOPED CANCER OF THE THROAT 2 YRS. AGO AND WAS ACTUALLY DEAD FOR 45 SECONDS. AND I HAVE COPD AND NEED BREATHING A DEVICE TO SLEEP AT NIGHT. Lorraine

I was stationed at El Toro 96-98. While I was stationed at El Toro I came down with skin cancer I was only 21 or 22 the base Dr. was shocked to see some one at my age with skin cancer. Now later on in life I'm in my 30's and have a lot of skin problems and my body no longer makes testosterone on its own I have been to many Dr. and they do not know why this is, could TCE be the cause? Matt

I was stationed at El Toro from 1987-1989 with MWSS-373 support squadron. We Marines used a lot of degreaser to clean the military vehicles. I lived on the base, need to get on the list to find out the symptoms of TCE exposure MWSS 37 was located very close to were I worked. My wife was there from 86-90 has had numerous health issues including unexplained headaches and sleep disorder as well as neurological including MS. Thanks Steve

I developed ductile carcinomas (male breast cancer) in 2004 and had a radical mastectomy of my right breast. I thought it may have been due to my exposure to radiation from the aircraft radar that I worked on, but after reading about Lejeune and their problems with ground water I found your video from a link on the web site. I have no family history related to breast cancer, but I was concerned about passing a bad gene to my four children. They have found 17 male marines with breast cancer that served at Lejeune which is no coincident. Jack

My husband was a dependent whose [father] was stationed at both Camp Lejeune and El Toro Marine Base. My husband was born in Camp Lejeune in 1959, and returned back to Camp Lejeune in about 1964. He then moved to El Toro Marine Base in 1968 to 1969 and 1971 to 1975. My husband and I experienced our 3rd child who was born with Vater Syndrome which geneticist had no explanation why this happened. She had severe liver, kidney, heart and instestine probems. She died two weeks later. My oldest son was born with OCD, ADHD and Tourette’s. My second son has a learning disability and now we’re finding out that my youngest son may have a learning disability. My husband during his younger years experienced severe intestinal problems that carried into his adult hood. He also was born with a heart murmur. His sister has thyroid issues and his mother has breast cancer. His father is currently seeking medical attention for many issues...we’re starting to put pieces together on why some health issues may have some kind of connection with with the Camp Lejeune and El Toro Marine Base toxic. Margaret

I was in the USMC from 1985 to 1990, and stationed at MCAS El Toro from 1986 until 1990. I worked as an Aviation Support Hydraulics Mechanic. I remember using TCE to clean the engine parts and anything else that needed degreasing or cleaning. I remember we even used it to clean our weapons after going to the firing range to speed up the time it takes to clean the parts and get the rifles turned back into the Armory in pristine or while glove condition. We wore no masks, no gloves or other protective gear, and I remember putting my arms in up to the elbows...I remember feeling crappy and tired alot of the time...and sick to my stomach alot. L.S.

I’m writing to set the record straight as far as it relates to me and my experience aboard MCAS El Toro. First, My name is Jeffery Smith. I was a Sergeant who I lived in either the Barracks on El Toro, El Toro Base Housing outside the back gate or MCAS Tustin where I was assigned quarters in the Staff NCO section for all but 1 year of my enlistment. I was attached to MALS-11, served at El Toro from 1989 – 1995. My MOS was (6056) a C-130 Hydraulics Mechanic who spent all but 1 year as a I-Level Hyd Mech. The remaining time was divided between VMGR-352, MAG-11 Headquarters and 739,740 and 741 barracks Manager.

As to TCE. You bet it was used! As an I Level Hyd Mech, it was used for everything from patch tests to, parts cleaner, to general clean up including mopping the floor. For anyone who worked with it in Hydraulics, it was the clear liquid that we squirted from the quart size bottles with the angled nozzel and never did I hear that it was toxic. If you were a hyd mech, Id love to know if you have experienced any mystery effects. After reviewing aerial photos of the base with the skull and cross bones depicting the highest level areas of contamination, I under stand where my issues developed now. Unfortunately for me, I was almost on top of all but MWSS-37. I distinctly remember the drilling riggs that showed up on base in the early 90’s and this is what I have to show for my service.

1) While on El Toro, I began having migraine headaches. No explanation.
2) After leaving the area, the frequency diminished dramatically.
3) Approximately 2 – 3 years after separation, I developed nodules in my thyroid. Thyroid Cancer that does not run in my family nor do I even know a soul who had thyroid cancer.
4) Approximately 2 years ago, I underwent a complete Thyroid ectomy.
5) Last July, I was diagnosed as having Atrial Fibrillation ( Irregular Heartbeat )
6) I have unexplained nerve damage and can not feel the skin/muscle tissue on my right leg from about 5 inches above the knee to 5 inches below the knee.
7) I have a curious rash that appears on my right arm just below the elbow. It comes and goes without explanation.

From everything that I have read, all of my symptoms fit the TCE bill. It may not change a thing, but at least I know why now. Semper Fi, Jeff.

Health Effects of Exposure to Organic Solvents

aplastic anemia (benzene)
bladder cancer (PCE)
brain cancer (VC)
breast cancer (PCE)
cervical cancer (TCE, PCE)
endometriosis (solvents)
esophageal cancer (PCE)
generalized skin disorders (TCE)
Hodgkin’s disease (TCE)
infertility (PCE, TCE, solvents)
kidney cancers (TCE)
kidney diseases (TCE, PCE)
leukemias (TCE, benzene, PCE)
liver cancer and liver disease (TCE, VC)
lung cancer (PCE, VC)
Lupus (TCE)
motor neuron disease/ALS (solvents)
multiple myeloma (TCE, benzene)
multiple sclerosis (solvents)
NHL (TCE, PCE, benzene)
pancreatic cancer (PCE)
Parkinson’s disease (TCE)
scleroderma (TCE, PCE)
soft tissue sarcoma (VC)
spontaneous abortion (PCE, benzene)

Reported health problems in children who were exposed in the womb from their mother drinking water contaminated with TCE and/or PCE include—

Leukemia

Small for gestational age

Low birth weight

Fetal death

Major heart defects

Neural tube defects

Oral cleft defects (including cleft lip)

Chonal atresia (nasal passages blocked with bone or tissue)

Eye defects

Reported health problems in children who were exposed in the womb from theirmother working with TCE and/or PCE include—

Low birth weight

Miscarriage

Major malformations

MCAS El Toro: EPA Superfund

MISSION STATEMENT

ARE MARINES GETTING THE SHAFT IN AMERICA?

CLOSED FOR BUSINESS

TRANSFER TO FAA

TRANSFER TO FBI

Military Bases on EPA Superfund List

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)

Monday, June 22, 2009

0 comments:

Colonel James Sabow, USMC

MAIL CALL

Where did you work/live?

MCAS El Toro

El Toro's TCE Plume

Hangar 296

Health Effects of Exposure to Organic Solvents

The TCE Blog

Cancer Warning

Blog Archive

Dr. Phil Leveque, TCE Expert, MCAS El Toro

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center

The STAND (Camp Lejeune Water Survivors)

The Few, the Proud, the Forgotten

Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan

Contact Elected Federal and State Representatives

Military Personnel Records