Thus concludes a declaration adopted by the Vietnam Environmental Conference, an international gathering of over sixty scientists and other experts that took place in Stockholm during 26-28 July 2002. Its purpose was to review the long-term consequences of a calamity that is generally referred to as the Vietnam War, but also involved Laos and Cambodia.
During the war, over 72 million liters of herbicides were sprayed on the fields and forests of Vietnam, and an unknown amount on the countryside of Cambodia and Laos. Included in those chemicals as a by-product was
During the war, over 72 million liters of herbicides were sprayed on the fields and forests of Vietnam, and an unknown amount on the countryside of Cambodia and Laos. Included in those chemicals as a by-product was
dioxin, an extremely toxic substance that has been linked to several forms of cancer, the birth defect spina bifida, type 2 diabetes, and disorders of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. There may also be links to several other birth defects and reproductive disorders.
Another serious and persistent problem is the massive volume of landmines and other unexploded ordnance left behind from the war. The victims are often children at play or farmers tilling their fields, and the results are human tragedies that affect entire families and communities.
Another serious and persistent problem is the massive volume of landmines and other unexploded ordnance left behind from the war. The victims are often children at play or farmers tilling their fields, and the results are human tragedies that affect entire families and communities.