A Few Good Men, Too Many Chemicals: Toxic Exposure of US Marines

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is formed as an unintentional by-product of incomplete combustion. It may be released to the environment during the combustion of fossil fuels and wood, and during the incineration of municipal and industrial wastes. It causes chloracne in humans, a severe acne-like condition. This chemical has been shown to be very toxic in animal studies, causing effects on the skin and cancer in people. This is the contaminant in Agent Orange. The base's four landfills burned waste for over 56 years (1943 to 1999). No incinerators were used. The Navy made $650 million on the sale of the base. The state of California published a clear statement that Dioxin is a contaminant of concern for El Toro.

Nothing from the EPA, the Navy, and the Marine Corps on the risks of exposure to Dioxin at El Toro from the burnings at the four landfills and the crash crew pits. Dioxin found its way into the soil and the base wells. We drank the water, got cancer and many of us died. These were my brothers. This is totally unacceptable.