Effects on People

The effects of the chemical mixtures used in the Vietnam War were devastating. Those exposed to these chemicals experienced many related health problems. To this day, people are still suffering from these painful diseases.

Dr. Clary, an Air Force researcher for Agent Orange, wrote a letter to Senator Tom Daschle following reports of the effects of Agent Orange. He explained that, "When we initiated the herbicide program... we were aware of the potential for damage... However, because the material was to be used on the enemy... We never considered a scenario in which our own personnel would become contaminated with the herbicide".¹

The herbicides used in the areas Australians fought in has been linked to numerous health problems. These include cancers, fertility issues, and hereditary birth defects.

Physical disabilities from the Vietnam War are also common in veterans. 3,129 Australian veterans suffered severe injuries, and one third suffer from hearing loss.² Whether the extent of the veteran's health problems are life-threatening or minor, the statistics are painfully prevalent and show the significance of the Vietnam War on Australia and its community.

Many loved ones were taken during the Vietnam War. As a result of the war, the Australians associated with the Vietnam War have high rates of trauma and psychological problems.

A Vietnam Veterans Health Study concluded that 30-45% of veterans suffer from some mental disorder, which is up to ten times higher than the rest of the Australian population.³

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD) is one of the most common conditions affecting veterans, with approximately 30% of all Australians suffering from PTSD at some point in their life.⁴

The symptoms that these veterans face in their daily lives include distressing recollections, vivid flashbacks, and nightmares. Their experience in the war can result in social withdrawal, impacting all dimensions of their health.⁵

Furthermore, PTSD has been linked to more than trauma. Vietnam War veterans with PTSD have increased risks of dementia in addition to associated comorbidities such as health related problems including cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease, as well as substance abuse.⁶

25,000 Australian Vietnam War veterans have been recognised as having a psychological disability from PTSD.⁷ Trauma is a significant issue affecting Australians that served in the Vietnam War.

Life in Australia was never the same again after The Vietnam War. The War affected more than just the veterans that served: it had impacts on the wider community.

The consequences of serving in the Vietnam War were passed through families. Children of veterans suffer from higher rates of birth conditions and health problems, which has been linked to exposure to chemicals used during the war. Suicide rates in children of Vietnam War Veterans are also up to three times higher than the rest of Australia.⁸

The Vietnam Veterans Family Study also shows that the children of veterans are affected not only physically, but "family life and parenting can be disrupted to the detriment of all concerned."⁹ The psychological impacts of the war on the veterans has affected their families, with 23% of children claiming that they have experienced harsh parenting.¹⁰

The Vietnam War is most definitely responsible for the significant impacts on the children, extended family and community of Vietnam War veterans.