[CPEO-MEF] Scientists boost estimate of Agent Orange and other defoliants spra

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Ohio
THE REPOSITORY
Scientists boost estimate of Agent Orange and other defoliants sprayed
in Vietnam
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
By JOSEPH B. VERRENGIA AP Science Writer

A study has increased the estimate of how much Agent Orange and other
dioxin-tainted defoliants the U.S. military sprayed during the Vietnam
War. But it remains unclear whether the increased amount raises the
illness risk of those exposed, scientists say.

Re-examining military records, researchers at the Columbia University
School of Public Health determined that about 21 million gallons of the
herbicides were sprayed from 1961 to 1971 — 1.84 million gallons, or 10
percent, more than previously believed.

About 55 percent of the defoliant was Agent Orange — nicknamed for the
color of the identification band on its storage containers. Scientists
said the other herbicides, such as Agent Pink, were closely related to
Agent Orange but even more potent.

Two-thirds of the herbicides were contaminated with the most dangerous
form of dioxin, TCDD, which is associated with cancers, neurological
disorders, miscarriages and birth defects.

Details of the study appear in the current issue of the journal Nature.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=23&ID=95090&r=0

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