From the Research
Agent Orange exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing various long-term health effects, including soft-tissue sarcomas and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, as supported by ongoing studies in Vietnam 1. The long-term effects of Agent Orange exposure can be severe and varied, including:
- Increased risk of certain cancers, such as soft-tissue sarcomas and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, as indicated by the study in Vietnam 1
- Other potential health effects, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy, although these are not directly addressed in the provided study 1
- The herbicide contained 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD), a carcinogen that can remain in the body for years, causing cellular damage and disrupting hormonal systems
- Children of exposed individuals may be at risk of birth defects, although this is not directly studied in the provided evidence 1
- Regular health monitoring is essential for those with known exposure history, as symptoms can develop decades after exposure
- Treatment approaches vary by condition but typically involve managing specific symptoms rather than addressing the underlying exposure, as there is no way to remove TCDD from the body once absorbed.