Agent orange

Background

  • Member of chlorophenoxy pesticide group, and are often contaminated with dioxin
  • Gained notoriety during Vietnam War

Mechanism

  • Absorbed through skin, GI tract, and respiratory tract
  • Acts on skeletal muscle but exact mechanism unknown

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Chemical weapons

Evaluation

  • No specific tests for chlorophenoxy compounds
  • Workup is aimed at detecting muscle injury and hepatic/renal function

Management

Disposition

See Also

References