Agent Orange: The Legacy of Vietnam War by Nadeem Saleh

What is Agent Orange?

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:52 UTC

Agent Orange was a powerful herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange got its name due to the orange identifying stripe used on the 55-gallon drums in which it was stored. Following the Vietnam War, Agent Orange would be linked to multiple health conditions

Operation Ranch Hand

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:54 UTC

From 1962 to 1971, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of herbicides over Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand. The purpose of Operation Ranch Hand was to defoliate forests and destroy crops in Vietnam and parts of Laos and Cambodia to expose enemy positions and reduce their food supply

Devastation of Vietnamese Ecosystems

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:55 UTC

The spraying of Agent Orange destroyed approximately 5 million acres of forests and crops. The reason it was able to destroy this much was because of a chemical found in Agent Orange known as Dioxin, which contaminated the water and soil affecting wildlife and human health.

Long-term Environmental Effects

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:57 UTC

Studies have shown that Agent Orange contaminated the soil and water systems in many areas of Vietnam. The dioxin can remain in the environment for many years, continuing to pose risks to both ecosystems and human health.

Health Effects on Veterans

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:59 UTC

U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange have reported numerous health issues, including various types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Many diseases are now recognized by the VA as being presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the military.

Impact on Vietnamese Population

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:02:59 UTC

Exposure to Agent Orange has impacted Vietnamese people for generations. In heavily sprayed areas, reports of birth abnormalities, developmental issues, and various malignancies have been made. It's estimated that up to 4 million Vietnamese people were exposed to the chemical.

Legal Aftermath and Recognition

nsaleh2026_1 — 2025-04-21 17:03:01 UTC

In 1984, chemical companies settled a class-action lawsuit by U.S. veterans for $180 million. Vietnamese victims, meanwhile, have had less luck getting recompense. Since then, the United States has pledged millions of dollars to support Vietnam's efforts to clean up dioxin.