Health Effects of Exposure to Herbicide Orange in South Vietnam Should Be Resolved

The Department of Defense (DOD) carried out military herbicide operations in South Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. Herbicide Orange, the most widely used herbicide, contains a contaminant, dioxin, that is highly toxic. Its effects on laboratory test animals have been studied; however, long-term health effects on humans remain largely unknown. In late 1977, Veterans Administration (VA) regional offices began receiving compensation claims from veterans who felt that some of their medical problems were caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Vietnam veterans also began contacting VA health care facilities to express concerns over possible herbicide exposure. By September 1978, about 600 veterans had been examined at VA health care facilities and about 450 had submitted claims to regional offices.