Agent Blue
Agent Blue
Agent Blue (pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.dʒənt bluː/), also known as cacodylic acid (pronunciation: /kəˈkɒdɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/), is a chemical compound used by the United States during the Vietnam War as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand.
Etymology
The term "Agent Blue" is derived from the color-coded system the U.S. military used to identify the different chemicals they used during the Vietnam War. The "Blue" in Agent Blue refers to the color of the stripe painted on the storage barrels to easily identify the substance. The chemical name, cacodylic acid, comes from the Greek word 'kakodes', meaning 'bad smelling', which is a reference to the compound's unpleasant odor.
Usage
Agent Blue was one of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides" used during the Vietnam War. It was primarily used to destroy crops and non-woody vegetation. Unlike its more infamous counterpart, Agent Orange, Agent Blue is an arsenic-based compound and does not contain dioxins.
Health Effects
Exposure to Agent Blue can lead to a variety of health problems, including skin and lung irritation, and in severe cases, can cause arsenic poisoning. Long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of various cancers, neurological disorders, and other chronic health conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Agent Blue
- Wikipedia's article - Agent Blue
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