Three Harvard professors attended an international conference in Vietnam in January that examined the impact of dioxin on the offspring of males exposed to Agent Orange.

Research done by Vietnamese scientists indicates a link between exposure to dioxin-faced Agent Orange and birth defects of offspring born to males who were exposed to the chemical American researchers, however, have yet to discover such a link.

Dr. John Constable, associate clinical professor of Surgery, who attended the conference, said there is "sufficient evidence that unnecessary exposure to dioxin should be rigorously avoided," but additional studies are needed.

Peter Ashton, associate professor of Botany and director of the Arnold Arboretum, and Mark Leighton, assistant professor of Anthropology, attended the conference along with Constable and scientists from various European countries, Israel and Australia.