Agent Orange’s legacy: 5 million Vietnamese suffering 40yrs on
![](https://rtd.rt.com/files/stories/agent-oranges-legacy-5-million/11-b.jpg)
• The US Air Force used a defoliant known as ‘Agent Orange’ during the Vietnam War,
• The toxic chemical destroyed forests where Vietcong guerrilla fighters were taking cover.
• Agent Orange severely harmed the health of those immediately exposed to it.
• It has also led to birth defects in subsequent generations.
• It is estimated that around 5 million people if Vietnam still suffer from its damaging effects.
During the Vietnam War, the US Air Force used a defoliant known as ‘Agent Orange’ to destroy forests where Vietcong guerrilla fighters were taking cover.
![](/files/stories/agent-oranges-legacy-5-million/imgonline-com-ua-Resize-OSnTiJxVc1Zt4i3z-2-br.jpg)
Use of this toxic chemical not only severely harmed the health of those immediately exposed to it, but also led to birth defects in subsequent generations.
![](/files/stories/agent-oranges-legacy-5-million/Defoliation_agent_spraying-3-br.jpg)
Its impact is still felt in Vietnam, where it is estimated that around 5 million people are suffering from its damaging effects. They call it their “orange pain.”
![](/files/stories/agent-oranges-legacy-5-million/'Ranch_Hand'_run-4-br.jpg)
The RTD team interviews the people affected, as well as an American veteran who has dedicated his life to clearing the country of mines and unexploded ordinance.
![](/files/stories/agent-oranges-legacy-5-million/3_001-12-br.jpg)
For an in depth look at local people still living with the consequences of the Vietnam War long after it ended watch Vietnam: My Orange Pain on RTD.