The history behind the toxic Agent Orange

Agent Orange has been trending this week in Kenya. But what is it really? It is a powerful herbicide that was used by the U.S. military to clear forests and vegetation in Vietnam.

The goal was to deprive enemy forces of cover and expose their movements. However, Agent Orange contained a deadly contaminant – dioxin.

Dioxin is a highly toxic compound that persists in the environment for decades.

The toxin disrupts the body’s hormonal system, leading to a range of health problems. Exposure to dioxin has been linked to several severe illnesses, including:

• Cancers: Leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and other cancers have been associated with Agent Orange exposure.
• Birth defects: Children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange may have an increased risk of birth defects.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Studies suggest a link between Agent Orange and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Skin conditions: Chloracne, a severe form of acne, is a known side effect of Agent Orange exposure.

The devastating health effects of Agent Orange led to a public outcry and a ban on its use in the early 1970s.

However, the consequences of its use continue to be felt today. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange and their families grapple with ongoing health issues caused by this toxic herbicide.