Agent Orange

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Consequences of War

Over 4 million people were exposed to dioxin throughout the Vietnam War. Vietnam still faces a major health crisis to this day. Vietnam reports that half a million babies were born with birth defects due to the effects of Agent Orange. Children born decades after the war still suffer from the following physical and mental disabilities:

1. Spina Bifida

A birth defect where the spinal cord does not develop properly, leading to partial or full paralysis, and difficulty walking. It is one of the few conditions recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as being directly related to Agent Orange exposure.

2. Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

These are facial deformities where the lip or roof of the mouth does not close properly during development. This can lead to difficulties in eating and speaking.

3. Limb Problems

Children exposed to Agent Orange in utero have been born with missing limbs, underdeveloped limbs, or webbed fingers and toes, which negatively affects mobility and their future.

4. Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects cause conditions like anencephaly, where parts of the brain or skull are missing, and encephalocele, where brain tissue protrudes outside of the skull.

5. Heart Defects

These can include different kinds of heart malformations present at birth, leading to lifelong cardiac issues. Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is associated with exposure to Agent Orange. This is caused by narrowed heart arteries, which decrease the amount of blood and oxygen that can reach the heart. Heart defects usually require surgery or continuous medical treatment.

6. Hydrocephalus

An abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain’s ventricles, which leads to increased pressure and potentially causes brain damage or motor dysfunction. Also known as “water on the brain.”

7. Microcephaly

Children born with microcephaly have abnormally small heads due to underdeveloped brains, which can lead to severe intellectual disabilities and delays in normal development.

8. Musculoskeletal Abnormalities

These can range from scoliosis (curvature of the spine) to joint abnormalities that affect movement and physical function.

9. Weakened Immune Systems

Many children suffer from a weak immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses.