Agent Green

Agent Green

A UC-123B aircraft spraying defoliant during Operation Ranch Hand

Agent Green is a herbicide and defoliant that was used by the United States military during the Vietnam War. It was part of the "Rainbow Herbicides" group of chemicals used in Operation Ranch Hand, a military operation aimed at defoliating forested and rural land, depriving Viet Cong forces of cover and food resources.

Composition and Use

Agent Green was one of several herbicides used in Vietnam, alongside more well-known agents such as Agent Orange, Agent White, and Agent Blue. The primary component of Agent Green was 2,4,5-T, a type of phenoxy herbicide.

The use of Agent Green, like other herbicides, was intended to destroy foliage and crops that could be used by enemy forces. The UC-123B aircraft, as shown in the image, were commonly used to spray these chemicals over large areas.

Health and Environmental Impact

The use of Agent Green and other herbicides in Vietnam has been linked to severe health issues and environmental damage. The dioxin contamination in these chemicals has been associated with cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems in both Vietnamese populations and veterans exposed to the chemicals.

The environmental impact includes long-term damage to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation. Efforts to remediate affected areas continue to this day.

Related Pages

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