From the Research
Agent Orange exposure is associated with an increased risk of several serious diseases, including various types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic B-cell leukemias, soft tissue sarcomas, Hodgkin's disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and multiple myeloma, as well as chloracne, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda, type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and birth defects in children of exposed individuals, particularly spina bifida, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Diseases Associated with Agent Orange Exposure
The diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Cancers: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic B-cell leukemias, soft tissue sarcomas, Hodgkin's disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and multiple myeloma
- Skin conditions: chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda
- Neurological conditions: peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease
- Metabolic conditions: type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease
- Birth defects: spina bifida
Evidence from Recent Studies
Recent studies have consistently shown an association between Agent Orange exposure and an increased risk of these diseases. For example, a 2022 study 1 found that Agent Orange exposure increased the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and vascular dementias. Another study from 2018 2 found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange were diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at a younger age and had longer overall survival compared to those not exposed.
Clinical Implications
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service, particularly in Vietnam, should be screened for these conditions and may be eligible for special healthcare benefits and compensation through the VA's presumptive service connection program 3, 4, 5. It is essential to consider the potential long-term health consequences of Agent Orange exposure and to provide appropriate care and support to affected individuals.