How United States Agricultural Herbicides Became Military and Environmental Chemical Weapons: Historical and Residual Effects

Discoveries in Charles Darwin’s laboratory led to modern herbicides. Darwin discovered the internal mechanism that directed plants grow toward sunlight and sources of water. Scientists Europe America later called this a plant’s hormone response system. Administrators scientists, including Dr. Ezra J. Kraus, Head Botany Department at University Chicago plant physiologist, suggested on eve WWII weed killers had significant military value as chemical weapons. Kraus obtained access synthetic chemical, 2,4-D, found when was absorbed through leaves plants, it destroyed hormones. After exposure, experienced rapid uncontrolled growth, then shriveled, died fell off. funding for his research program from Defense (DOD) during World War II (WWII). Camp Detrick (Biological Weapons Laboratory) scientists samples newly created 2,4,5-T which contained unknown amounts by-product dioxin TCDD. In 1950s 1960s, Fort formulated herbicide Agent Orange, 50 - mixture 2,4-D 2,4,5-T. These dual purpose herbicides were used by DOD USDA. American European farmers 1940s eliminate weeds pastureland cropland. WWII, (and pesticides) development continued tandem with production fertilizers breeding high-yield varieties. new agricultural products shipped worldwide increase crop yields, part Green Revolution. This system technologies intended global starvation food security increasing field farm yields. contrast, goal use herbicides, weapons, defoliate jungle forests destroy crops strategy win battles wars. The primary objective study is describe how became tactical A current assessment will address environmental impacts weapons United States Vietnam ecosystems need additional TCDD hotspot clean-up efforts.