11/21/2025
Agent Orange was a chemical defoliant used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War, primarily between 1961 and 1971. Impact • Dioxin is highly toxic, even in very small doses.  • Exposure has been linked to multiple serious health problems: cancers, nerve disorders, diabetes, birth defects, and more.  • The effects are long-lasting: the chemical persists in the environment, and people exposed decades ago can continue to suffer.  • Not only U.S. veterans but also Vietnamese civilians and their descendants have been affected.  3. Recognition & Policy • The Agent Orange Act (1991) allowed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize certain diseases as being “presumptively” related to Agent Orange exposure — making it easier for veterans to claim benefits.  • Non-profits like the Orange Heart Medal Foundation work to honor veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  • There’s also an ongoing legacy of environmental cleanup and advocacy. 
