Essay On Agent Orange In Vietnam

Veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam between January 9th, 1962 and May 7th, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. Agent Orange was a powerful mixture of chemical defoliants used by the U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover for North Vietnam and Vietnam troops. It was also used for crops. Agent Orange contained Chemical dioxin, which was the most commonly used of herbicide mixtures and was the most effective. 19 million gallons were sprayed over 4.5 million acres of land from 1961 to 1972. Agent Orange was a disease that affected Veterans who served in Vietnam.
Even if you just stepped foot in Vietnam or you served on a ship while it operated on the island waterways of Vietnam you could still get Agent Orange. “Many recognized certain cancers and other health problems with exposure to Agent Orange during military service” (U.S Department of Veterans Affairs). This shows that Agent Orange caused diseases, many diseases. “Agent Orange reviled to cause serious health issues, tumors, birth defects, rashes, psychological symptoms, and cancer among returning U.S servicemen and their families as well as the Vietnamese population” (History.com). This states that Agent Orange was harmful to Vietnam Servicemen and their

families too. If you served in Vietnam or was in Vietnam from January 9th, 1962 through May 7th, 1975 you could suffer from Agent Orange diseases.
Agent Orange was a powerful chemical that affected or could affect many Vietnam Servicemen. “Many people are still concerned about the health conditions of the chemicals in Agent Orange” (U.S Department of Veterans Affairs). This shows that Vietnam survivor's could suffer from long term conditions. “Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during their service may be eligible for a variety of benefits”(U.S Department of Veterans Affairs). This provides evidence that scientists and other researchers are still very worried about the effect people have with Agent Orange. Vietnam Servicemen are still diagnosed with Agent Orange and it still could be harmful to many civilians.
Although Agent Orange was a disease that spread to many servicemen it also helped in “combat operations.” Even though it helped in combat, I think that a disease for life is horrible.

“Agent Orange removed the leaves of trees and other dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover” (Official Blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). This shows that in some ways Agent Orange was a good thing. “Agent Orange was not the commercial grade herbicides” (Official Blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). This informs us that if the herbicides were a grade higher, the effects that the chemicals have on people would be worse. Agent Orange may of caused problems, but in some ways it

helped.
Agent Orange is a powerful chemical that affected many Vietnam Veterans and may even affect them to this day. Not only the veterans but their families too. There are many herbicides Agent Orange contributed, many diseases the Vietnam Veterans suffer with. Agent Orange might of helped in combat, but is it helping now?