Between 1953 and 1987, Marines living at Camp Lejeune unknowingly consumed contaminated water from nearby wells, which were polluted with harmful chemicals. In 1984, it was discovered that the water also contained benzene. That same year, some Marines began experiencing health issues linked to years of exposure to the tainted water. Conditions like cancer and birth defects became more common. Only after this discovery was the contamination taken seriously, but by then countless service members and their families were exposured.