The use of defoliants as a weapon of war dates back to the Malayan Emergency, when Britain was the first country to employ them. These substances were designed to deprive North Vietnamese forces of cover by causing plant leaves to fall off when applied. The most infamous defoliant used during the Vietnam War was Agent Orange, a mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D in a 1:1 ratio. Over a million people in Vietnam developed major illnesses due to exposure to Agent Orange after the war.
In addition to Agent Orange, the U.S. also developed a mixture of cacodylic acid, sodium cacodylate, and water to destroy rice plants during the war. Despite being banned against civilian populations since 1980, the effects of defoliants on civilians during the Vietnam War were significant and long-lasting. The substance burns easily, spreads quickly and sticks to surfaces, with its effects famously captured in a photo taken by Nick Ut in 1972.
At a U.N. conference in June 1972, Olof Palme described the effects of defoliants in Vietnam as “ecocide” and advocated for it to be designated an international crime. Today, there is ongoing debate about whether or not defoliants should be used as a weapon of war at all due to their harmful effects on both civilians and the environment.
As we look back on history and reflect on the use of defoliants during times of conflict, we must remember that these substances have lasting impacts that can harm people for generations to come. It is crucial that we continue to work towards finding alternative solutions that do not involve using harmful chemicals as weapons.
A Vietnamese flag can be seen flying atop the State Bank building near other buildings such as Vietcombank and Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam in central Hanoi on November 23rd
