Agent White

A herbicide used during the Vietnam War

Agent White was a powerful herbicide and defoliant used by the United States military during the Vietnam War. It was part of the "rainbow herbicides" group, which included other chemicals such as Agent Orange, Agent Blue, and Agent Purple.

Composition

Agent White was primarily composed of two chemicals: 2,4-D and Picloram. These chemicals are systemic herbicides, meaning they are absorbed by plants and disrupt their growth processes, leading to defoliation.

Usage in the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War, Agent White was used to destroy forests and crops in order to deprive the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army of food and cover. The spraying of Agent White was part of the larger Operation Ranch Hand, which aimed to eliminate forest cover and food crops used by enemy forces.

Health and Environmental Impact

Unlike some other herbicides used during the Vietnam War, Agent White did not contain dioxin, a highly toxic compound. However, the use of Agent White still raised concerns about its potential health effects on humans and its impact on the environment. The long-term effects of exposure to Agent White and other herbicides used in the war have been the subject of ongoing research and debate.

Legacy

The use of Agent White and other herbicides during the Vietnam War has had lasting effects on the environment and the health of those exposed. Efforts to remediate contaminated areas and provide assistance to affected individuals continue to this day.

Related pages

• Agent Orange
• Operation Ranch Hand
• Vietnam War
• Herbicide

Gallery

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  A U.S. Air Force aircraft spraying defoliant during the Vietnam War.