Final answer:
Agent Orange, the herbicide used by U.S. troops in Vietnam, was a mix of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T herbicides. It caused environmental destruction and long-term health issues due to the toxic contaminant dioxin. The substance played a significant role in the herbicidal warfare during the Vietnam War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical herbicide used by U.S. troops in Vietnam is commonly known as Agent Orange. This substance was part of the herbicidal warfare program called Operation Ranch Hand, which took place from 1961 to 1971. Agent Orange was a mixture of two herbicides, 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), and was used to defoliate forests and crops in Vietnam with the aim of reducing the cover available to the Vietcong forces.
However, its use also led to severe environmental destruction and long-term health issues due to the presence of dioxin, a highly toxic contaminant found in Agent Orange. The substance not only devastated the ecosystem but also had an impact on both the Vietnamese population and American veterans who were exposed to it. After the war, the effects of Agent Orange continued to be a point of contention and concern due to its long-lasting damage.