Agent Purple

Defoliant and herbicide used by the U.S. military

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

Composition

Agent Purple was composed of a mixture of two phenoxy herbicides: 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. The latter component, 2,4,5-T, was contaminated with TCDD, a highly toxic dioxin compound, as a byproduct of its manufacturing process.

Usage

Agent Purple was primarily used to destroy foliage and forest cover that provided concealment for Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces. It was also used to clear jungle areas around military bases and airfields to improve visibility and security.

Health and Environmental Impact

The use of Agent Purple, like other herbicides in the Rainbow Herbicides group, has been associated with severe health issues and environmental damage. The presence of TCDD in Agent Purple has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems in both Vietnamese populations and U.S. military personnel exposed to the chemical.

Historical Context

Agent Purple was one of the first herbicides used in Operation Ranch Hand, a military operation aimed at defoliating large areas of Vietnam. The operation began in 1962 and continued until 1971, with Agent Purple being used primarily in the early years.

Related pages

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

Gallery

• A UC-123B aircraft spraying defoliant in 1962
  A UC-123B aircraft spraying defoliant in 1962