�PAGE � �PAGE �1� Jacobson
Herbicides: The Never Ending Battle
Erik Jacobson
U.S. History (H)
Mr. Tracey
April 29th 2007
Research Question: How did the use of herbicides during the Vietnam War affect American and Vietnamese Society at the time, and how has it impacted society today?
Thesis: Despite the scientific knowledge of the effects, an extensive use of herbicides during the Vietnam War had a detrimental impact on society in Vietnam and America during the war, and continues to have a substantial impact today.
Outline:
Title: Herbicides: The Never Ending Battle
Thesis Paragraph: Give brief background of Vietnam War and thesis
An introduction to the use of herbicides during the Vietnam War; the politics behind decisions made, and the scientific research that was kept quiet.
Talk about the use of herbicides, and name the different types used in the war
Agents White, Purple, Green, Pink, Blue, and Dinoxol, Trinoxol, Bromacil, Diquat, Tandex, Monuron, Diuron, Arsenic and Dalapon
Dioxins are used in the herbicides, which is the toxic chemical that makes the herbicides harmful.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 35 ppt can kill a moose
Men had up to 50 ppt in their systems
The amount of herbicides shipped to Vietnam increased every year. (15,000 gallons - 55,000)
Chemical companies held meetings to discuss the toxicity of the herbicides. Still, no information was leaked to the public.
In 1965, the Dow Chemical Corporation executives held an extremely private meeting to discuss the negative effects of these herbicides.
Three months later, a manager from Dow Chemical, named V.K. Rowe, sent a letter to another company official, informing him that dioxin is exceptionally toxic.
By 1967, uncovered letters showed the military's understanding of side effects corresponding with the use of herbicides
As American troops returned from War, symptoms of ailments due to Agent Orange became...