12. Ongoing Environmental Impact
Agent Orange and other chemicals used during the Vietnam War continue to affect land and people. The U.S. military sprayed over 20 million gallons of herbicides, including dioxin-contaminated Agent Orange, across Vietnam’s rainforests, wetlands, and croplands. This led to deforestation, soil contamination, and disruptions in the food chain. Decades later, dioxin persists in the environment, entering the food supply and affecting human health (sciencedaily.com). American organizations have been involved in recovery efforts, such as the cleanup of dioxin hotspots at former U.S. military bases like Bien Hoa Air Base. These initiatives aim to reduce environmental contamination and support the health of affected communities (time.com). Additionally, the Vietnam Friendship Village, founded by U.S. veteran George Mizo, provides services to individuals affected by Agent Orange, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and healing. These efforts highlight the importance of environmental justice and remediation in addressing the long-term impacts of Agent Orange.
