Agent Orange’s legacy: 5 million Vietnamese suffering 40yrs on

• 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.