Tear gas is a weapon of moral effect that causes effects such as irritation in the eyes, skin and airways while the individual is exposed to it. Its effects last for about 5 to 10 minutes and despite the discomfort it causes, it is safe for the body, and very rarely can it kill.
This gas is often used by the Brazilian police to control riots in prisons, football stadiums and against demonstrators in street protests, but in other countries this gas is often used in urban wars. It is composed of 2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, the so-called CS gas, and can be used in spray form or in the form of a pump that has a range of 150 meters.
Its effects on the body include:
- Burning eyes with redness and constant tearing; Feeling of suffocation; Coughing; Sneezing; Headache; Malaise; Sore throat; Difficulty breathing; Burning sensation in the skin due to the reaction of the gas in contact with sweat and tears; There may be nausea and vomiting.
Psychological effects include disorientation and panic. All of these effects last for 20 to 45 minutes after the person is no longer exposed to this moral weapon.
What to do in case of exposure to gas
First aid in case of exposure to tear gas are:
- Move away from the place, preferably very close to the ground, and then Run against the wind with open arms so that the gas comes out of the skin and clothes.
You should not wash your face or bathe while the symptoms are present because water aggravates the effects of tear gas on the body.
After exposure, all objects that have been "contaminated" should be washed very well as they may contain traces. Clothes should preferably be discarded, as should contact lenses. A consultation with an ophthalmologist can be indicated to check that the eyes have not suffered any major damage.
Tear gas health risks
Tear gas when used in open environments is safe and does not cause death as it disperses quickly through the air and in addition, the individual can move away to be able to breathe better if he feels the need.
However, staying in contact with the gas for more than 1 hour can cause severe suffocation and difficulty breathing, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. In addition, when the gas is used in a closed environment, in high concentrations, it can cause burns on the skin, eyes and airways and even lead to death due to possible burns in the airways, causing asphyxiation.
The ideal is for the tear gas pump to be fired into the air, so that after opening it, the gas is dispersed away from people, but in some protests and demonstrations cases have already happened where these effect bombs live were fired directly at people, like an ordinary firearm, in which case the tear gas pump can be fatal.
How to protect yourself from tear gas
In case of exposure to tear gas it is advisable to move away from the place where the gas is being used and cover your face with a cloth or piece of clothing, for example. The more distant the person is, the better it will be for their protection.
Wrapping a piece of activated carbon in a tissue and bringing it closer to the nose and mouth also helps to protect itself from the gas, because the activated charcoal neutralizes the gas. The use of clothes impregnated with vinegar has no protective effect.
Wearing swimming goggles or a mask that completely covers your face are also good ways to protect yourself from the effects of tear gas, but the safest way is to stay well away from where the gas is being used.
