US EPA

1383715 

Technical Report 

After Agent Orange: the defoliation of Vietnam 

Goldstein, M 

1980 

PESTAB/80/2452 

54 

4 

PESTAB. This paper briefly discusses the aftermath of the spraying of Agent Orange (2,4-D and 2,4,5-D), Agent White (picloram and 2,4-D), and Agent Blue (arsenic, 54%) in the jungles of South Vietnam. This spraying has severely affected the complex balance in the ecosystems exposed to the chemicals. Particularly on mangrove forest areas. Immediately destroyed were 56% of these forests and their fauna. Wildlife in the areas which were defoliated were forced to seek new food supplies and shelter with the result that many of these populations were severely diminished. Soil in Vietnam has not as yet recovered. Soil erosion has intensified. Nutrient-dumping has made the soil too poor to sustain vegetation which had previously flourished. Concern about TCDD contamination of soils, plants and humans in Vietnam are also discussed.