Agent Orange Chronicles: Vietnam and the United States

Agent Orange was a phenoxyherbicide contaminated with dioxin used in Vietnam during the American Vietnam war from 1962-1971. It was used to remove forests and other foliage where troops opposing the US and South Vietnam governments could hide and also where food could be grown. Deforestation was one consequence in the 15 % or so of the south of Vietnam where Agent Orange was used (it was not used in the north) and dioxin found its way into people, wildlife, food, and then environment; this was documented in the 1970s and also in 2002-6. Certain air bases where Agent Orange was stored had high levels. This was documented by our group beginning in 1970 and continuting to the present, in 2008. Other groups from Canada, France, and Russia have also studied this situation. Chemists contributing to the US Vietnam effort include scientists from Germany, Canada, Finland, Japan and the USA. Damage to people in Vietnam is probable but has not been established beyond doubt. At present, the Vietnamese and US government and US and other NGOs are focused on remediation of Agent Orange in the environment. To date, over $4 million US has been spent or promised by Congress and Foundations for remediation. Ironically at this same time, the 20 year US health effects study of Air Force sprayers of Agent Orange has ended and may or may not be continued at some future date.