Agent Orange.... in Okinawa

We've heard the horror stories of Agent Orange that was used in Vietnam and the horrible aftereffects of those who came in contact with it. Now comes word that Agent Orange was used in Okinawa. The story can be read here by the Japan Times

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070709a1.html

In Okinawa, it wasn't used to clear out forests to search for the enemy or take away their cover, it was used to defoliate trees and landscaping. What is of particular interest to me is that my family is from Okinawa, so it scares me that this toxic substance was used in Okinawa. It makes me wonder if I had relatives who were exposed and if it explains any cancer or illnesses.

Are we going to find out that other places in the world were exposed to Agent Orange? I think its the responsibility of the United States Army to step up and reveal to what extent they used Agent Orange.

Hopefully I'll write about more uplifting stories relating to Japan, but I thought it was important to bring attention to this.