Many of us associate the Vietnam War with horrific violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another scar that long war left on American society is the result of a harmful herbicide known as agent orange.
The poisonous active ingredient of agent orange, dioxin, has been linked to many health conditions, diseases and cancer.
But is there a connection between Agent Orange and COPD?
Agent Orange
During the Vietnam War, agent orange was used liberally as an herbicide by the United States for the purpose of removing dense vegetation that blanketed the country and provided concealment for the movement of communist forces throughout the country.
The U.S. Government used this tactic to minimize surprise attacks by the enemy. Agent orange was not a commercial-grade type of herbicide. It was developed strictly for “combat operations.” Dioxin is a known carcinogen.
Consequently, a number of medical conditions and diseases are connected to exposure to agent orange. In 1991, Congress passed the Agent Orange Act which ordered the National Academy of Sciences to conduct scientific and medical research on the effects of agent orange on veterans’ health.
Agent Orange and COPD
In 2012, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, General (R) Eric Shinseki, inquired as to whether there was an increased incidence of respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in veterans exposed to agent orange during the Vietnam War.
COPD is defined as a disease in which inflammation causes a person’s lung to become damaged.
Though it is primarily caused by smoking, about 15 percent of sufferers develop COPD after exposure to chemicals, dust and fumes.
Left untreated, the COPD sufferer finds that breathing becomes increasingly labored and experiences symptoms such as wheezing, constant coughing and recurring upper respiratory infections.
The group ran lung function tests, and results are still being analyzed before findings can be published. Until study results are released, veterans can receive disability benefits for COPD and other respiratory diseases based on the results of lung function testing.
A lung fuction test measures air flow rate through the lungs. The lower the air flow, the greater the severity of COPD.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.
