The dioxin levels in the blood samples taken from residents of Vietnam's Bien Hoa city are 135 times higher than the levels found in the blood of residents of the capital Hanoi. This was revealed in a recent study carried out by Arnold Schecter of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, usa. The high levels can be attributed to Agent Orange, a defoliant that was sprayed by the us army in the city during the Vietnam war. The researchers said that some of the affected residents are children born many years after the war ended, indicating that they were recently exposed to a persistent source of contamination. "These are the highest levels we have seen since 1973, when the spraying of Agent Orange was stopped," said Arnold Schecter, the study's lead author. Exposure to Agent Orange has been associated with cancer, birth defects and miscarriages (see 'A generation scarred', Down To Earth, Vol 7, No 15, December 31, 1998).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.