Agent Orange Symptoms and Effects

Agent Orange Overview

Approximately 20 million gallons of herbicides were used in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971 to remove unwanted plant life and leaves which otherwise provided cover for enemy forces during the Vietnam Conflict. Shortly following their military service in Vietnam, some veterans reported a variety of health problems and concerns which some of them attributed to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. The Department of Veterans Affairs has developed a comprehensive program to respond to these medical problems and concerns. The principal elements of this program include quality health care services, disability compensation for veterans with service-connected illnesses, scientific research and outreach and education.

The following is a list of reported Agent Orange symptoms and effects:

1. Gastrointestinal:

loss of appetite (anorexia)
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
yellowing of eyes, skin, and urine (Jaundice)
liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
vomiting blood (Hematemesis)
abdominal pain
gastric hyperplasia
gastric ulcers

2. Genitourinary:

stones
burning
bloody urine (Hermaturia)
dribbling
brown urine
bladder discomfort
kidney pain

3. Neurological:

tingling
numbness
dizziness
headaches
twitching, fidgeting, etc. (Automatic dyscontrol)
Suspension of breath (sleep apnea)
incoordination
unnaturally
drowsy (Hypersomnolence)
loss of sensation in extremities

4. Psychiatric:

violent
irritable
angry
severe depression
suicide
frenzied (Manic)
tremulous
memory loss
loss of concentration
severe personality changes

5. Metabolic:

fatigue
rapid weight loss
spontaneous fever
chills

6. Cardiovascular:

elevated blood pressure
blood deficiency

7. Skin:

chloracne
rash
increased sensitivity (heat)
increased sensitivity (sun)
altered skin color
loss of hair
brittle nails

8. Cancer:

tumors
liver
lung
testicular
ear duct

9. Family:

miscarriages child’s deaths—birth defects
a. cleft palates b. open eye
c. kidney abnormalities d. enlarged liver
e. enlarged head f. club foot
g. intestinal hemmorage h. missing or abnormal fingers, toes
i. missing or abnormal reproductive organs
j. missing, abnormal, or displaced body parts

10.Endocrine:

enlarged male mammary glands (Gynecomastia)
excessive milk flow from nipples (Galactorrhea)
decreased sexual drive
difficulty maintaining and erection

11. Visual:

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blurring
burning

12. Hearing Loss

13.Respiratory:

difficulty or painful breath (Dyspenea)
shortness of breath

The most distinguishing effects of dioxin poisoning are:

a. chloracne
b. liver dysfunction
c. severe personality disorders
d. cancers
e. birth defects