I've changed the subject line because I want to expand on the Agent
Orange connection. A lot of folks don't know about AO, even some
Vietnam vets.

You didn't have to take a bath in the stuff. Anyone stationed in
Vietnam, for even one day, is presumed by the VA to have been exposed.
I believe they have now included offshore duty.

Let me EXPAND a little, too.

AGENT ORANGE is a 1-124-1 mixture by weight of the
n-butyl esters of 2-4-5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2-4-5-T)
and 2-4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid (2-4-D).

Most of the problems associated with the use of Agent Orange were
associated with a CONTAMINANT (*dioxin*) in the 2,4,5-T component of
the defoliant. The association of 2,4-D with Agent Orange has prompted
a vast amount of study on the herbicide.

*DIOXIN* is one of the most toxic chemicals known to science.

FWIW....
I sprayed untold thousands of gallons of 2,4,5-T mixed with diesel
fuel for decades to defoliate cotton, kill Texas mesquite trees and
curently use 2.4-D to kill dandelions.

I'm 68 years old now with no ill effects from a lifetime of
applying and BREATHING my fair share of these two herbicides.
However, drinking the **** is definitely NOT recommended.
With or without DIOXIN.

2,4-D is still USA legal and killing more dandelions than people.
2,4,5-T is currently banned.


- Cropduster Barnyard BOb -