💥 Wars don’t end when the guns fall silent. For millions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, the U.S. military’s use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War ignited a generations-long health crisis that still haunts families today.
The Chemical Shadow
Between 1961 and 1971, over 20 million gallons of the herbicide were sprayed to destroy jungle cover. But Agent Orange contained dioxin—a chemical so toxic it’s linked to cancers, birth defects, and neurological disorders. Doctors first noticed a spike in severe deformities in newborns by the mid-1960s. Now, 50+ years later, families still grapple with disabilities passed through generations.
‘Innocent Victims’
\"My child cannot walk or speak,\" shared Mai, a mother in central Vietnam. Stories like hers are tragically common. The Red Cross estimates over 1 million people in Vietnam have disabilities linked to dioxin exposure. Forests and farmland remain contaminated, threatening food supplies and livelihoods.
War’s Unseen Price Tag
While cleanup efforts continue, activists argue compensation and healthcare remain inadequate. Agent Orange’s legacy is a stark reminder: the true cost of war lingers long after treaties are signed. 🌏✊
