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The devastating Legacy of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War, lasting from 1955 to 1975, was one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century. Beyond the immediate horrors of war, a silent, lingering threat emerged that continues to affect Vietnam to this day: Agent Orange. This powerful herbicide, used extensively by the U.S. Military, has left a lasting and devastating impact on both the environment and the people of Vietnam.
What Was Agent Orange?
Agent Orange was an herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during Operation Ranch Hand, a mission aimed at depriving the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops of jungle cover and food resources. The chemical was named after the orange-striped barrels in which it was stored. Between 1961 and 1971, approximately 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed over Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
The Chemical Composition and its Effects
The most notorious component of Agent Orange is dioxin, a high toxic compound linked to serious health issues. Dioxin is one of the most potent carcinogens known and can cause a range of serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic diseases. The use of Agent Orange led to immediate destruction of vegetation and long-term contamination of soil and water sources.
