|
|
Article: Petrified forests: Jim Trautman investigates the devastating effects of the herbicides sprayed in Vietnam - and those still being sprayed today in America's `War on drugs'.
- Article from:
- New Internationalist
- Article date:
- May 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 New Internationalist Magazine. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
`Don't worry, it only hurts the plan.'
During the Vietnam War that was the standard answer to anyone asking about the aerial spraying of Agent Orange. The notorious and deadly herbicide was given that name because it was transported in orange-striped drums. Agent Orange and 14 other herbicides were used during the US military's Operation Ranch Hand from 1962 until 1971. The military's idea was that herbicides would destroy thick jungle vegetation, under which the enemy could hide. Agent Orange was a chemical mixture of two phenoxyacetic acids normally used as herbicides: 2,4,5,T and 2,4-D. It was usually mixed with kerosene or diesel fuel to ensure that it ...