Agent Green

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Agent Green

Agent Green (pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.dʒənt griːn/) is a code name for a specific type of herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military in its Herbicidal Warfare program during the Vietnam War.

Etymology

The term "Agent Green" is derived from the green color-coded stripe used on the 55-gallon drums to store this herbicide during the Vietnam War. The "Agent" part of the name comes from its use as a weapon, or "agent", in warfare.

Usage

Agent Green was one of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides" that were used by the U.S. military to defoliate forests and crops that were used as cover by the enemy. It is chemically similar to Agent Orange, another herbicide used in the same program, but unlike Agent Orange, Agent Green was only used between 1962 and 1964.

Composition

Agent Green is composed of two chlorophenoxyacetic acids, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). The 2,4,5-T was contaminated with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD), an extremely toxic dioxin compound.

Health Effects

Exposure to Agent Green, especially the dioxin contaminant, has been associated with a variety of health issues, including cancer, birth defects, rashes, and severe psychological and neurological problems.

Related Terms

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