What Is the Connection between Parkinson's and Agent Orange?

Parkinson's is a disease which progressively destroys some areas of the brain, causing symptoms of slowed movement, shaking and rigid muscles. There is thought to be a connection between Parkinson's and Agent Orange, a chemical used in the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was a blend of chemicals sprayed over the Vietnam countryside to destroy tree foliage. The aim was to remove areas of tree cover in which the enemy could hide. Some veterans who suffered Agent Orange exposure during their service in Vietnam went on to develop Parkinson's disease, and there is some evidence that Agent Orange increases the risk of Parkinson's, as well as other illnesses such as heart disease.

Agent Orange gained its name from its storage containers, which were identified by an orange stripe. The mix of chemicals was sprayed from military planes flown by the US during the Vietnam War. One chemical, known as dioxin, was present in very small amounts in Agent Orange, but is highly toxic. It is thought that dioxin poisoning could cause a number of illnesses, including cancer. In 2009, a report from the US Institute of Medicine linked Parkinson's and Agent Orange, stating that there was some, limited evidence suggesting that exposure to Agent Orange could raise an individual's chance of developing the disease.

The Institute of Medicine's report described the evidence linking Parkinson's and Agent Orange as limited because none of the scientific studies reviewed specifically looked at Vietnam veterans or Agent Orange in particular. Instead, the research looked at whether people with Parkinson's disease had been exposed to herbicides similar to Agent Orange. Several studies indicated that these kinds of herbicides could increase the risk of developing Parkinson's. Further research into the incidence of Parkinson's and Agent Orange exposure in veterans should help clarify the relationship between the two.

Agent Orange effects are thought to be wide-ranging, affecting many parts of the body. As well as its association with Parkinson's, the herbicide is thought to increase the risk of diseases such as prostate and lung cancer, leukemia and diabetes. Nerve damage and ischemic heart disease, where the heart's blood supply is inadequate, are also more likely to occur. Veterans who contract diseases which have a recognized association with Agent Orange may receive disability compensation and could be eligible for health care benefits. Although Parkinson's has no cure, drugs are available which can control the symptoms.