39.) AGENT ORANGE /DIOXIN exposure causes many birth defects, cancers and diseases. Some of these diseases, symptoms and effects are explained here. Some can take 20 to 30 years to show up. (20 min. read)

As you read this, think about all the people on Six Nations who have had these types of symptoms and diseases. Six Nation people live in one of the most pristine natural areas in all of Southern Ontario. Where are all these diseases coming from? I believe a reasonable person would say that Agent Orange is one of the causes. When I first read this information, I immediately thought of several Six Nation people and families who have had these diseases and even died from them. I know this read is long and involved, but I urge every Six Nations person to read these symptoms and diseases caused by Agent Orange exposure. And think about the diseases that your family or friends have, with no explanation.

Many birth defects, cancer, medical conditions and diseases are caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure. Diabetes, Parkinson's disease and several forms of cancer, are just some of the many different medical conditions and diseases caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) grants disability benefits to Veterans who develop disabilities as a result of their Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Much of what follows, is quoted from these U.S. government and related Veteran Help, websites. At least 21 diseases are from the Veterans Affairs list of diseases caused by Agent Orange. There are more diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure . The following Agent Orange medical conditions are considered PRESUMPTIVE by the U.S. Veteran Affairs (VA). A Vietnam veteran simply being diagnosed with any of these medical conditions is automatically given a disability, due to Agent Orange exposure.

You can search U.S. Veteran Affairs websites citing Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam war to find these diseases and their  explanations. There seems to be an unlimited amount of research material on these diseases. This is all from the Vietnam War era, so this is nothing new. 

I'm using the US Veteran Affairs information because they have some of the most recent and available research on Agent Orange exposure and diseases. Their research is decades in the making. Although they denied the Vietnam Veterans any kind of help, for Agent Orange exposure after the Vietnam War, until recently. After most of the Vietnam veterans died from Agent Orange exposure.

Search YouTube under: "Agent Orange, Vietnam," or "Agent Orange in Elmira, Ontario". But a warning ahead of time: you will see videos that are very disturbing about birth defects among the Vietnamese children to this day. You will see the most disturbing birth defects of living Vietnamese children. Agent Orange is responsible for causing these birth defects. No one disputes this.

The Canadian government has known about all this for years, for decades and said nothing.

Definition: 

GENOTOXIC- can damage genetic material, including people's genetic material. Can cause genetic mutation or deletion, which in turn, causes tumors and cancers.

Let's start with:

BIRTH DEFECTS:. Agent Orange exposure does not end with the individual who is exposed. It may also contribute to birth defects and disorders in that person's children. Studies have indicated that Agent Orange exposure has led to increased rates of STILLBIRTHS and BIRTH DEFECTS in the CHILDREN of veterans exposed to Agent Orange. And because much time has passed since the Vietnam era, they are now seeing these birth defects in the GRANDCHILDREN of the Vietnam veterans, who had exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Here are SOME of the birth defects that can be caused by Agent Orange exposure, as so currently accepted by the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) :

* Spinal bifida

* Cleft lip

* Congenital heart disease

* Hip dysplasia

* Hallerman - Streiff syndrome

* Neural tube defects

* Poland syndrome

* and still more birth defects. 

A child can have one or more of these conditions.

Now let's move on to some of the diseases, that can be caused by Agent Orange exposure:

21 Diseases caused by Agent Orange exposure.

Although there may be other conditions and Agent Orange side effects that stem from the exposure to the herbicide, the following are some of the most common ones that currently qualify for disability compensation with the U.S. Veterans Affairs:

Al Amyloidosis:

A condition that occurs when a rare and abnormal protein infects your tissues or organs. Al Amloidosis is one form of amyloidosis, a protein disorder connected to Agent Orange herbicide exposure. This condition causes the body to make too many light chain proteins that enter organs and make them work less effectively. Amyloidosis can affect almost any organ, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, stomach, and even the skin. Depending on the infected organs, you might experience symptoms like swollen legs and feet, chest pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, bruising, constipation, and enlarged tongue. Various chemotherapy medications and steroids may be part of your treatment course.

Bladder Cancer:

Cancer that affects the cells of the bladder. An act of Congress passed at the end of 2020 instructed the VA to expand its Presumptive List to include this condition. I'm including this to show you how this is an ongoing situation. As time goes on, medical science is continually realizing, how much the body is affected by Agent Orange, in the long term.

Chronic B-cell Leukemia:

A type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) that affect the body's B cells is known as Chronic B-Cell Leukemia. This condition is a type of cancer that takes over the white blood cells responsible for keeping the immune system running strong. People with this condition experience a weakened immune system that leaves them incapable of fighting infections and viruses effectively. Although CLL is the most common form of leukemia in adults, it still can be difficult to cure. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy drugs, but a bone marrow transplant may be necessary in some cases.

Chloracne:

A skin condition resulting from herbicide exposure and resembling severe acne. There is a direct link between exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange and Chloracne. This condition causes severe blemishes on the face, like nodules, cysts, and blackheads. Some other areas of the body, like the neck and groin, may also be affected. Symptoms of chloral acne can become worse as a person gets older, and the skin gets thicker and drier. The most severe cases can lead to various open sores that can become itchy, painful and infected.

Diabetes Type 2:

This condition prevents your body from using insulin properly to convert sugar to energy. A condition resulting from a lack of insulin response, which leads to chronically high blood sugar levels. Without proper management you could experience problems with your feet, kidneys, nerves, heart, and eyes.

Hodgkin's Disease:

A type of lymphoma cancer involving abnormal cell growth in the lymph nodes. Research has determined that Dioxin is a carcinogen, and Hodgkin's disease, also known as Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is a common lymphatic system cancer linked to the chemical Agent Orange. Hodgkin's disease causes white blood cells to reproduce abnormally fast, throwing off the immune system and making it challenging to fight illnesses and infections. Swollen lymph nodes are a tell-tale symptom of this condition, but people may also experience extreme fatigue, trouble breathing, itchy skin, and random fevers. Medical professionals rate the disease on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the most widespread and dangerous. 

Hypertension:

High blood pressure- when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high.

Hormone Disruption:

Research has linked Dioxin exposure to hormone imbalances, especially with the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA ) helps produce estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones that lead to male and female characteristics. Babies in Agent Orange contaminated areas of Vietnam have had a much higher supply of DHEA in their saliva then those in non-contaminated regions, suggesting that dioxin moves from mother to baby and affects hormone production. Vietnam veterans may also be more at risk for developing:

Graves Disease:

An autoimmune disorder that stems from an overactive thyroid gland.

Hypothroidism:

A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain crucial hormones. This condition was also added to the Presumptive List by the 2020 NDAA.

Ischemic Heart Disease:

A progressive condition in which the heart receives inadequate blood supply, resulting in chest pain and other complications. This includes coronary artery disease, stable and unstable angina, myocardial infraction, and sudden cardiac death. Ischemic heart disease prevents the heart from receiving enough blood and oxygen, usually due to narrowed arteries leading to the heart. Some people have no symptoms of the condition, well others experience dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath. Without treatment, ischemic heart disease can lead to a heart attack. A Vietnam veteran can get Agent Orange benefits for disability after receiving diagnosis of a related condition, like coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease, which falls under the umbrella of Ischemic Heart Disease.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS):

A condition in which abnormal protein is in the blood. MGUS can be precancerous.

Multiple Myeloma:

A blood cancer that affects the white blood cells, specifically the plasma cells. These cells are responsible for making blood plasma and fighting infection and illness. Affected cells crowd within the bone marrow and prevent healthy cells from remaining where they need to be. Common symptoms include fatigue, frequent illness, bone pain, and leg weakness or numbness. People who have Multiple Myeloma usually receive a diagnosis of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) first. However, the condition often escalates to Multiple Myeloma.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

A cancer of the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is similar to Hodgkin's Disease except that the white blood cells affected in each are different. This type of Lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's Disease, but it can also be more challenging to treat. Affected cells and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can appear in several parts of the body, while the cells affected by Hodgkin's Disease are usually concentrated in the neck area. It's not until the advanced stages that professionals will usually detect Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Parkinson's Disease:

A chronic nervous system disorder that can lead to a progressive lack of mobility and muscle strength. Parkinson's disease usually worsens over time and causes symptoms like uncontrollable shaking, coordination problems, and damage to nerve cells that can make it difficult to do tasks like walk and speak.

Parkinson's - like symptoms:

A condition with symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, impaired speech, and muscle stiffness that resembles Parkinson's disease but is not formally diagnosed as such. Passed by US Congress in 2020, the NDAA instructed VA to expand its Presumptive List to include this condition.

Peripheral Neuropathy:

A nervous system disorder that causes a number of physical complications, such as weakness, numbness, and constant tingling sensations. Peripheral neuropathy may exist with a diabetes diagnosis, especially if diabetes is not well managed in the patient. However, it can also exist alone or with other conditions, like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Peripheral Neuropathy also occurs with chemical exposure, like that of Dioxin. The condition causes pain and numbness in the body, usually in the hands and feet. Heat intolerance, bowel and bladder problems, and muscle weakness can also be symptoms. Although the condition isn't necessarily reversible, early detection can help your medical team determine the course of action to manage your symptoms and treat underlying conditions.

Porphyia Cutanea Tarda:

A liver condition that can cause sun exposed skin to blister and become more fragile. PCT causes painful lesions on the skin stemming from a rare blood disorder. People with PCT often are more sensitive to the sun than others, and they may develop the blisters after being in the sun for short periods. Sores can also occur after minor injuries. Overtime, the skin may become thicker, crusted, or scarred, but some areas may also become thinner and more sensitive to injury.

Prostate Cancer:

A cancer of the prostate in men. Research has shown that veterans with Agent Orange exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in addition to other cancers linked to the chemical.

Respiratory Cancers:

Such as lung cancer and other cancers of the respiratory system. Respiratory cancers can include cancer of the lungs, brochus, trachea, and larynx.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas:

Cancers that affect the body soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, and connective tissue. A soft tissue sarcoma is a buildup of cancer cells in the body soft tissues. They can occur anywhere in the body, usually causing swelling or a lump in the area. Medical professionals diagnosed the condition in grades, with a grade of 3 typically having the lowest prognosis and 1 having the best. Chemical exposure to Agent Orange is a known cause of Soft Tissue Sarcomas, and the VA readily links them to Agent Orange exposure.