Part of the United States’ strategy in Vietnam was to conduct an herbicide program to remove foliage providing cover for the enemy. Agent Orange was the most widely used of the herbicide combinations sprayed. Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including some military bases in the United States.

When and Where Agent Orange Was Sprayed in Vietnam

Herbicide-sprayed areas and
unsprayed areas

The U.S. military herbicide program in South Vietnam took place between 1962 and 1971. Herbicides were sprayed in all 4 military zones of Vietnam. More than 19 million gallons of various herbicide combinations were used. Agent Orange was the combination of herbicides the U.S. military used most often.

Heavily Sprayed Areas

Heavily sprayed areas included:

• Inland forests near the demarcation zone
• Inland forests at the junction of the borders of Cambodia, Laos, and South Vietnam
• Inland forests north and northwest of Saigon
• Mangrove forests on the southernmost peninsula of Vietnam
• Mangrove forests along major shipping channels southeast of Saigon

Exposure to Agent Orange in and Outside Vietnam

• Exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam 
  Exposure on land in Vietnam or on a ship operating on the inland waterways of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975
• Blue Water Veterans
  Possible exposure on open sea ships off the shore of Vietnam during the Vietnam War
• U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Ships in Vietnam
  List of ships and boats with operations in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975
• Korean Demilitarized Zone
  Exposure along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971
• Thailand Military Bases
  Possible exposure on or near the perimeters of military bases between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975
• Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside Vietnam
  Possible exposure due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases in the United States and locations in other countries
• Agent Orange Residue on Airplanes Used in the Vietnam War
  Possible exposure of crew members to herbicide residue in C-123 planes flown after the Vietnam War