Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. In a military context, they are commonly found in industrial solvents (like degreasers), dry cleaning fluids, jet fuels, and paints. Prolonged exposure to VOCs, whether through inhaling vapors or drinking contaminated water, is linked to organ damage and cancer.

Where were veterans exposed to VOCs?

VOC exposure happened at many military installations, but the most famous case is Camp Lejeune. Between 1953 and 1987, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with massive levels of VOCs, specifically:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): A metal degreaser.
• Perchloroethylene (PCE): A dry cleaning solvent.
• Benzene: A chemical found in fuels.
• Vinyl chloride: A byproduct of TCE/PCE degrading over time.

What conditions are linked to VOCs?

The health effects of VOCs depend on the specific chemical, but the VA acknowledges several presumptive conditions specifically for the Camp Lejeune contamination, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Adult leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Aplastic anemia
• Bladder cancer

Is this different from burn pits?

Yes. While burn pits released toxins into the air via smoke, VOC cases like Camp Lejeune often involve contaminated groundwater. However, veterans who worked as mechanics, painters, or in fuel supply may have also inhaled VOCs directly as part of their daily duties, regardless of where they were stationed.