5RZu4rVsQj75ggmyPdAG John was an Air Force officer stationed on Johnston Island in from 1973-1975.  He tells about how agent orange stored on the island leaked into the sand and Ocean at a rate of over 25 barrels a week.  Over time, the agent orange saturated the sand, but more importantly contaminated the water around the island.  There were no wells on Johnston Island and all drinking water came from the ocean, which was run thru de-salination machines similar to what the Navy uses on boats.  The removes the salt from the water, but does not remove the chemical contaminates.  In fact, it might actually condense them.  in 1979 the USAF did a study on the island and found elevated levels of Dioxin, which is a compound in agent orange.  It was found both in the soil and in the drinking water.  For years, our troops drank this water, washed clothes, dishes, and took showers in it.  This could be one possible explanation for high rates of cancer found in our troops who served on Johnston Island.  John also talks about a bill in the house to potentially address this issue.  But the bill is still in committee and needs sponsors.  That bill is HR 1713.

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veteransadvocate/support