Observations from the science/public health tour

A delegation of science and public health professionals affiliated with the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign was invited to Vietnam from June 5th through June 16th, 2012 by the Vietnam Association for the Victims of Agent Orange (VAVA). The purpose of the trip was to visit people who have suffered illnesses recognized among U.S. veterans to be associated with the spraying and use of Agent Orange/dioxin during the American conflict in Vietnam. The delegation also observed land that continues to be contaminated by dioxin. Dr. Grassman describes findings of the scientific delegation. The delegation met with government and community representatives to discuss concerns about dioxin contamination and the possibility that health impacts may be ongoing in a portion of the populace. Observations of contaminated sites and visits with disabled individuals pointed to the need for continued investigation and the development of an epidemiological study.