Agent Orange

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Agent Orange

Agent Orange (/ˈeɪdʒənt ˈɔːrɪndʒ/) is a herbicide and defoliant chemical, one of the "tactical use" Rainbow Herbicides. It is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971.

Etymology

The name "Agent Orange" came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55-gallon drums in which it was stored. It was by far the most widely used of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides".

Composition

Agent Orange is a mixture of equal parts of two herbicides, 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D. In addition to the two active ingredients, the Agent Orange produced in Vietnam was contaminated with dioxin, a highly toxic and persistent organic pollutant.

Health Effects

Exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the war has been linked with a wide range of health problems including many different cancers, a type of diabetes, and Parkinson's disease.

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