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Chemically speaking, Agent Orange is "a 50/50 mix of two herbicides, 2,4,-D (2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5 trichlorophenoxyacetic acid)." However, what began as a weed killer eventually was used as a "powerful herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War."
The Veteran's Administration (VA) explains that approximately "20 million gallons of herbicides were used in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971 to remove unwanted plant life and leaves which otherwise provided cover for enemy forces during the Vietnam Conflict." Thus, it should've surprised no one that some Vietnam veterans reported a variety of health problems and concerns "which some of them attributed to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides."
Agent Orange was also used outside of Vietnam—both domestically and abroad—and the American Cancer Society reports that links to cancer continue to be explored. Clearly, some serious questions must be asked to prevent further government negligence and indifference.
For more health related news and information check out:
Planet Green Health
Discovery Health
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