In late 2019, a representative from Disabled American Veterans appeared before a congressional subcommittee and spoke of an ailing sailor from Missouri named Bobby. Having served in the Vietnam War, Bobby was exposed to Agent Orange, a potent herbicide used to kill foliage in the dense jungles.
In 2011, Bobby was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He also had Type 2 diabetes — both illnesses have been seen in other veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Though scientists now know that Agent Orange can still impact a person without direct contact, they are continuing to learn about the long-term effects of the deadly herbicide — including both environmental and medical.
