Beginning in 1961, the United States carried out a massive air campaign to deny North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops food and concealment, dropping an estimated 19 million gallons of defoliant known commonly as Agent Orange for the orange-striped drums it was stored in. Along with its active herbicidal ingredients, Agent Orange contained 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin, which is “regarded as one of the most toxic substances ever created,” according to a New York Times Magazine article.

Despite suppliers of the defoliant knowing a safer option existed, they opted to continue making Agent Orange for its higher profit margin. Service members responsible for handling the deadly chemical were told it only harmed plants and was safe for humans. Convinced there was no risk, some soldiers even reported using the discarded drums as makeshift showers. The widespread use of Agent Orange, and the lies surrounding its safety, remains one of the most shameful aspects of the Vietnam War.

Read how 'Stranger Things' reminded the world of the Vietnam War's forgotten Agent Orange casualties here: [ Ссылка ]

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