Agent Orange is a herbicide used during the Vietnam War for the purpose of depriving the Viet Cong of cover and food. However, Agent Orange had a very, very bad side-effect. Being that it was a poison, it caused a plethora of health problems for anyone who came in contact with it. Children born from parents who were exposed to Agent Orange could have anywhere from extra toes and fingers to being completely deformed and stillborn. Even the US soldiers who served came home to health problems because of their accidental exposure. It was one of the key points protesters made in the anti-war movements back in the United States, and the government knew it after it was too late.
Dangerous Dioxin
Agent Orange contained Dioxin, or scientifically called 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin. It is a industrial chemical that is very toxic to any biological organism. Exposure is known to cause many health issues, and is most likely the main danger within Agent Orange. Dioxin can cause anything from what was mentioned above to even cancer and developmental problems. Although not thoroughly tested because of its incredibly decreased use due to international agreements in war, it is confirmed to decrease white blood cell count, decrease performance in intelligence and learning as well as liver damage.