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The Unseen Pain of the Vietnam War: Long Term Effects of Agent Orange on Labor Market Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Luu Duc Toan Huynh

    (Queen Mary University of London)

  • Po Yin Wong

    (Queen Mary University of London)

Abstract

We investigate the long-term labor market effects of early childhood exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Our findings reveal that a one-unit increase in the exposure score at the commune level is associated with a significant reduction in education attainment, a decrease of 1.7 working days per month, and a reduction of 0.4 working hours per day. These effects are particularly pronounced among individuals who were born and continued to live in high-exposure areas, with persistent adverse impacts observed among their children as well. Our results remain robust after controlling for income and accounting for potential confounders. Furthermore, we find that exposure to Agent Orange leads to a persistent reduction in labor income by approximately 25%, highlighting the need for policymakers to address the long-run and intergenerational effects of Agent Orange on the Vietnamese population.

Suggested Citation

  • Luu Duc Toan Huynh & Po Yin Wong, 2025. "The Unseen Pain of the Vietnam War: Long Term Effects of Agent Orange on Labor Market Outcomes," Working Papers 120, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgs:wpaper:120
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    File URL: http://cgr.sbm.qmul.ac.uk/CGRWP120.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N45 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Asia including Middle East
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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