Is Agent Orange connected to FSGS kidney failures?

Agent Orange is a defoliant and herbicide that was used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. It is a mixture of two chemicals, 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. 2,4-D is a common herbicide that is still used today. 2,4,5-T is no longer used because it was found to be contaminated with a dioxin called TCDD. TCDD is a known carcinogen, and it has been linked to a number of health problems, including kidney failure.

FSGS is a kidney disease that is characterized by scarring of the glomeruli, which are small filters in the kidneys. FSGS can lead to kidney failure. There are many different causes of FSGS, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic factors. TCDD has been shown to cause FSGS in animals, and it is thought that it may also be a cause of FSGS in humans.

There is some evidence to support the link between Agent Orange and FSGS kidney failures. For example, a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange were more likely to develop FSGS than veterans who were not exposed to Agent Orange. However, more research is needed to confirm the link between Agent Orange and FSGS kidney failures.

If you are a veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and you have developed FSGS kidney failure, you may be eligible for compensation from the U.S. government. The Veterans Administration has a program that provides benefits to veterans who have been disabled by Agent Orange.