Agent Purple

Agent Purple

UC-123B Ranch Hand aircraft spraying defoliant in Vietnam, 1962

Agent Purple was a herbicide and defoliant used by the United States military during the Vietnam War. It was part of the "Rainbow Herbicides" program, which included other herbicides such as Agent Orange, Agent White, and Agent Blue.

Composition and Use

Agent Purple was composed of a mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, two phenoxy herbicides. The 2,4,5-T component was contaminated with dioxin, a highly toxic compound that has been linked to various health issues. The primary purpose of Agent Purple was to remove foliage that provided cover for enemy forces and to destroy crops that could be used to feed them.

Deployment in Vietnam

Agent Purple was used in the early stages of the Vietnam War, primarily between 1962 and 1964. It was applied using aerial spraying techniques, often from C-123 Provider aircraft as part of Operation Ranch Hand. The image to the right shows a UC-123B aircraft spraying defoliant in Vietnam in 1962.

Health and Environmental Impact

The use of Agent Purple, like other herbicides in the Rainbow Herbicides program, has been associated with significant health problems for both Vietnamese civilians and veterans of the war. The dioxin contamination in Agent Purple has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health issues. The environmental impact was also severe, leading to long-term damage to ecosystems and biodiversity in affected areas.

Related Pages

• Agent Orange
• Rainbow Herbicides
• Vietnam War
• Dioxin
• Operation Ranch Hand