What was the toxic contaminant in Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was a herbicide mixture used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Much of it contained a dangerous chemical contaminant called dioxin. Production of Agent Orange ended in the 1970s and is no longer in use. The dioxin contaminant however continues to have harmful impact today.

How much dioxin is in Agent Orange?

About 50 million litres (13 million gallons) of Agent Orange—containing about 170 kg (375 pounds) of dioxin—were dropped on Vietnam. Agent Orange was one of several herbicides used in Vietnam, the others including Agents White, Purple, Blue, Pink, and Green.

What two chemicals make up Agent Orange?

The two active ingredients in the Agent Orange herbicide combination were equal amounts of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), which contained traces of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The dioxin TCDD was an unwanted byproduct of herbicide production.

What effects does Agent Orange have on a population?

Questions regarding Agent Orange arose in the United States after an increasing number of returning Vietnam veterans and their families began to report a range of afflictions, including rashes and other skin irritations, miscarriages, psychological symptoms, type 2 diabetes, birth defects in children and cancers such …

What is the dioxin chemical?

Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants (POPs). Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.

What is the chemical formula for Agent Orange?

C24H27Cl5O6
Agent orange | C24H27Cl5O6 – PubChem.

What is dioxin poisoning?

Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and can interfere with hormones.

What is Agent Orange and why was it used?

Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide the U.S. military used to clear leaves and vegetation for military operations mainly during the Vietnam War. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related illnesses.

How does Agent Orange cause ischemic heart disease?

Symptoms such as: dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. Presence or absence of congestive heart failure. Evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation. The need for continuous medication.

Is dioxin the most toxic substance?

Dioxin is a general term that describes a group of hundreds of chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment. The most toxic compound is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or TCDD.

What is the chemical formula of dioxin?

C4H4O2
1,4-Dioxin/Formula

Why is it called Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam War to remove the leaves of trees and other dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover. The name “Agent Orange” came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55-gallon drums in which it was stored.