Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Base Background

Location 283, Blvd De France, Parris Island, South Carolina, 29905, United States
Years of Operation 1861-Present

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island was first established in 1861 and has served as the primary training facility for Marine Corps recruits east of the Mississippi River since 1915. It continues to support Marine Corps Recruits to this day.

The Depot is located on a barrier island off the South Carolina coast, approximately 30 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. This geographic location, with its coastal wetlands and marine environment, made the area particularly vulnerable to the spread of contaminants through groundwater and surrounding waterways. 

The Toxic Exposure History of the Depot 

In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed the Depot on the National Priorities Listing (NPL), designating it as a Superfund site requiring long-term cleanup efforts due to significant environmental contamination. Environmental investigations by both military and civilian agencies found widespread contamination throughout Parris Island. Contaminants include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other toxic substances. 

Parris Island Water Contamination 

While not as extensively documented as the Camp Lejeune contamination, contaminated water has been confirmed at Parris Island through environmental assessments showing significant levels of harmful chemicals at sites across the military installation.

Is Parris Island part of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit? 

Parris Island is not included in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which specifically addresses water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. The Act provides a pathway for Camp Lejeune veterans and their families to file claims for compensation due to toxic exposure. 

Until similar legislation is enacted for other military sites with document toxic exposure, you may obtain compensation related to water contamination at Parris Island by demonstrating a clear connection between your health conditions and your time at the installation. Contact us and we’ll either assist you or point you in the right direction. 

Known Toxins

The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.

Toxin Potential Effects
Strong Good Limited
Aluminium Potential Effects Lung cancer, Bronchitis ­ chronic Spasticity/Myoclonus, Seizures, Pneumonitis hypersensitivity, Dementia, Decreased Coordination/ Dysequilibrium, Asthma ­ allergic Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary edema, Porphyria ­ toxic, Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders, Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Alzheimer's, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count)
Antimony Potential Effects Bronchitis ­ chronic COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Arrhythmias Pulmonary edema, Nasal septal perforation, Menstrual disorders, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Bladder cancer, Anemia ­ hemolytic, Acute hepatocellular injury (Hepatitis)
Arsenic Potential Effects Peripheral neuropathy, Hyperkeratosis/Hyperpigmentation, Diabetes ­ Type II, Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis Steatosis (fatty liver), Skeletal malformations, Renal (kidney) cancer, Raynaud's phenomenon, Pneumonitis hypersensitivity, Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Nasal septal perforation, Myocardial ischemia, Low birth weight/Small for Gestational Age, Hypertension, Hepatoportal Sclerosis, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Congenital malformations ­ general, Cirrhosis, Cardiomyopathy, Bladder cancer, Arrhythmias, Anemia ­ hemolytic, Alopecia, Adult­-Onset Leukemias Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Metal fume fever, Immune suppression, Hepatocellular cancer (Liver cancer), Genito­urinary malformations (includes cryptorchidism, hypospadias), Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Acute tubular necrosis
Barium Potential Effects - - Sarcoidosis, Arrhythmias
Benzene Potential Effects Myelodysplastic syndrome, Multiple myeloma, Aplastic anemia Scleroderma, Renal (kidney) cancer, Pre­term delivery, Menstrual disorders, Lymphoma non ­Hodgkin's, Autoimmune antibodies, positive ANA, Arrhythmias Peripheral neuropathy, Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Nasopharyngeal/Sino­Nasal cancer, Lung cancer, Immune suppression, Hepatocellular cancer (Liver cancer), Cardiac congenital malformations, Breast cancer, Brain cancer ­adult, Asthma ­irritant
Benzo A Pyrene Potential Effects Lung cancer Skin cancer (non­melanoma), Lung cancer, Immune suppression, Bladder cancer Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility)
Cadmium Potential Effects Renal stones, Osteoporosis, Itai­itai disease, Chronic renal disease, Acute tubular necrosis Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Prostate cancer, Pneumonia, Nephrotic syndrome, COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cardiomyopathy, Anemia ­ hemolytic Testicular cancer, Soft tissue sarcoma, Renal (kidney) cancer, Pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary edema, Peripheral neuropathy, Pancreatic cancer, Oral clefts (cleft lip and palate), Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Metal fume fever, Menstrual disorders, Immune suppression, Hypoactivity, Hypertension, Genito­urinary malformations (includes cryptorchidism, hypospadias), Decreased I.Q../Mental retardation, Congenital malformation Cranio­ Facial, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Brain cancer ­adult, Autoimmune antibodies, positive ANA, Arrhythmias, ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity, Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count)
Chlorobenzene Potential Effects - - -
Chloroethene Potential Effects - - -
Chromium Potential Effects Skin ulceration, Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders, Nasopharyngeal/Sino­Nasal cancer, Nasal septal perforation, Nasal polyps, Cholestasis, Bronchitis ­ acute, Asthma ­ allergic Stomach cancer, Pulmonary fibrosis, Psychiatric disturbances, Pneumonitis hypersensitivity, Pneumonia, Photosensitivity, Peripheral neuropathy, Decreased Coordination/ Dysequilibrium, COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Chronic renal disease, Bronchitis ­ acute, Brain cancer ­adult, ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity, Acute tubular necrosis Soft tissue sarcoma, Skeletal malformations, Renal (kidney) cancer, Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Prostate cancer, Peripheral neuropathy, Pancreatic cancer, Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome), Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Metal fume fever, Immune suppression, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Esophageal cancer, Erectile dysfunction, Delayed growth, COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Bladder cancer, Autoimmune antibodies, positive ANA, Arrhythmias, Adult­-Onset Leukemias, Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count)
Chrysene Potential Effects - - -
Copper Potential Effects - Nasal septal perforation, Metal fume fever, Lung cancer, Granulomatous disease (liver), Decreased vision (includes blindness, retinopathy, optic neuropathy), Chronic renal disease, Angiosarcoma (hepatic), Anemia ­ hemolytic Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary fibrosis, Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Immune suppression, Autoimmune antibodies, positive ANA, Acute tubular necrosis
Dibenzo (A,H) anthracene Potential Effects - - -
Gamma-chlordane Potential Effects - - -
Indeno pyrene Potential Effects - - -
Iron Potential Effects Bronchitis ­ chronic - Soft tissue sarcoma, Diabetes ­ Type II, Brain cancer ­adult, Alzheimer's
Lead Potential Effects Seizures, Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Peripheral neuropathy, Hypertension, Gout, Developmental Delay, Decreased I.Q../Mental retardation, Decreased Coordination/ Dysequilibrium, Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Chronic renal disease, Behavioral problems, Anemia ­ hemolytic, ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity, Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count) Reduced Fertility ­ Female (infertility and subfertility), Psychiatric disturbances, Pre­term delivery, Porphyria ­ toxic, Pancreatic cancer, Nephrotic syndrome, Low birth weight/Small for Gestational Age, Immune suppression, Hearing loss, Glomerulonephritis, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Delayed growth, Cardiomyopathy, Arrhythmias, Altered time to sexual maturation (accelerated or delayed puberty) Wilm's Tumor, Uterine cancer, Thyroid disorders ­Hypothyroidism, Stomach cancer, Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Osteoporosis, Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome), Lung cancer, Hepatocellular cancer (Liver cancer), Erectile dysfunction, Diabetes ­ Type II, Congenital malformation Cranio­ Facial, Colo­rectal cancer, Carcinoid, Breast cancer, Brain cancer ­adult, Bladder cancer, Alzheimer's, Altered time to sexual maturation (accelerated or delayed puberty), ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count)
Manganese Potential Effects Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders, Cholestasis Psychiatric disturbances, Pneumonitis hypersensitivity, Pneumonia, Peripheral neuropathy, Decreased Coordination/ Dysequilibrium, Bronchitis ­ acute, ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity Skeletal malformations, Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Peripheral neuropathy, Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome), Neural tube defects/CNS malformations, Metal fume fever, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Erectile dysfunction, Delayed growth, COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Arrhythmias
Mercury Potential Effects Peripheral neuropathy, Hearing loss, Behavioral problems, Acute tubular necrosis Low birth weight/Small for Gestational Age, Immune suppression, Hormonal changes (levels of circulating sex hormones ­ FSH/LH, Inhibin, and/or estrogens, progesterones, and androgens), Glomerulonephritis, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Congenital malformations ­ general, Chronic renal disease, Autoimmune antibodies, positive ANA, Aplastic anemia, Anemia ­ hemolytic Thyroid disorders ­Hypothyroidism, Scleroderma, Reduced Fertility ­ Female (infertility and subfertility), Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome), Nephrotic syndrome, Myocardial ischemia, Menstrual disorders, Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis
Naphthalene Potential Effects Methemoglobinemia Cataracts, Anemia ­ hemolytic -
Nickel Potential Effects Asthma ­ allergic Stomach cancer, Pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary edema, Nasal septal perforation, Laryngeal cancer, Immune suppression Soft tissue sarcoma, Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer, Myocardial ischemia, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Metal fume fever, Mesothelioma, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Arrhythmias
Pesticides/Insecticides Potential Effects Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Contact dermatitis ­ Irritant, Contact dermatitis ­ Allergic Testicular cancer, Renal (kidney) cancer, Porphyria ­ toxic, Photosensitivity, Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Multiple myeloma, Childhood Leukemias, Bone cancer/Ewings sarcoma Wilm's Tumor, Vasculitis, Thyroid disorders ­Hypothyroidism, Thyroid cancer, Thrombocytopenic purpura, Soft tissue sarcoma, Rheumatoid arthritis, Retinoblastoma, Pneumonia, Melanoma, Laryngeal cancer, Esophageal cancer, Congenital malformations ­ general, Cirrhosis, Cervical cancer, Bronchitis ­ chronic, Bronchitis ­ acute, Alzheimer's, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
Polychlorinated Byphenyls (PCBs) Potential Effects Thyroid disorders ­Hypothyroidism, Porphyria ­ toxic, Developmental Delay, Decreased I.Q../Mental retardation, Cirrhosis, Chloracne, Behavioral problems, ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity Peripheral neuropathy, Pancreatic cancer, Menstrual disorders, Lymphoma non ­Hodgkin's, Low birth weight/Small for Gestational Age, Immune suppression, Hepatocellular cancer (Liver cancer), Dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, Delayed growth, Congenital malformation Cranio­ Facial, Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span), Bronchitis ­ chronic, Acute hepatocellular injury (Hepatitis), Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count) Testicular cancer, Reduced Fertility ­ Female (infertility and subfertility), Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders, Hypoactivity, Hypertension, Hyperkeratosis/Hyperpigmentation, Hearing loss, Endometriosis, Diabetes ­ Type I, Breast cancer, Bone cancer/Ewings sarcoma, Altered time to sexual maturation (accelerated or delayed puberty), Altered sex ratio
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Potential Effects Scrotal cancer, Porphyria ­ toxic, Laryngeal cancer Skin cancer (non­melanoma), Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer, Photosensitivity, Pancreatic cancer, Nasopharyngeal/Sino­Nasal cancer, Lung cancer, Immune suppression, Esophageal cancer, Breast cancer, Bladder cancer Reduced Fertility Male (infertility and subfertility), Oral cancer, Melanoma, Early onset menopause, Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, Colo­rectal cancer, Bone cancer/Ewings sarcoma, Adult­-Onset Leukemias
Selenium Potential Effects - - Pulmonary edema, Cirrhosis, Alopecia
Silver Potential Effects - - Chronic renal disease
Vanadium Potential Effects COPD ­chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Bronchitis ­ chronic, Asthma ­ allergic Acute tubular necrosis Reduced Fertility ­ Female (infertility and subfertility), Pneumonia, Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion; stillbirth), Bronchitis ­ acute
Zinc Potential Effects Skin ulceration - Testicular cancer

*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.

Paths to Compensation 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes toxic exposure during military service as potentially eligible for disability benefits, for certain diagnoses. Additionally, veterans and their dependents who were exposed to toxic substances at Parris Island may seek compensation through lawsuits. 

VA Disability Claims 

  • Available to veterans with service-connected conditions
  • Provides monthly compensation and access to VA healthcare
  • Requires evidence linking health conditions to military service
  • Can be pursued regardless of when exposure occurred
  • Benefits may include healthcare coverage for related conditions 

Civil Lawsuits

  • May provide compensation for pain and suffering not covered by VA benefits
  • Can include family members affected by secondary exposure
  • May require specific legislation
  • Subject to statutes of limitations and other legal restrictions 

Veterans and family members concerned about the water contamination at Parris Island should consult with attorneys experienced in military toxic exposure cases to understand their options based on their unique circumstances and medical history.  

Hill & Ponton specializes in disability law. Please call us on 1-888-477-2363 for a free evaluation.