How to Deal with Tear Gas

The most commonly used chemical compound in tear gas is CS (chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile). At room temperature, it is a solid substance and will attach to whatever it comes in contact with. It acts as an irritant. 

Usually, more potent tear gas compounds such as CR and CX are not used since they are linked with more health complications. In fact, CX has is an established carcinogen and is banned as it can cause cancer.

Tear gas affects the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs and causes incapacitation.

Exposure to tear gas can also cause also chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

CS also activates pain receptors in the body, specifically TRPA1. The pain associated with the chemical is attributed to this reaction.

The onset of symptoms is fast: within 10-15 seconds. Effects last based on the volume and duration for which the gas is inhaled. 

The immediate surroundings matter, too: if tear gas is used in a closed space, it may induce symptoms like vomiting. In an open-air area, the aerosol dissipates more easily and is less potent.

Usually, the symptoms pass within 15 minutes after you move to a non-contaminated area. However, prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of the gas can have longer-term effects.

The longer-term side-effects of tear gas are not well known, as protestors and bystanders tend to disperse afterwards and it becomes difficult to track their symptoms over time. However, reports from conflict areas have shown higher rates of chest pain, difficulty breathing and emotional trauma.

Deaths associated with tear gas are rare, but they do happen.

Children are more susceptible to the chemicals for a number of reasons. Since they are smaller, the amount of gas they absorb has a proportionately larger effect. They are also shorter and closer to the ground, where the concentration of the substance is higher.

Complications associated with tear gas are contingent upon other circumstances, too. Scuffles following inhalation, running, and stress can exacerbate the effects of the gas, since they put more strain on the body. A head injury, say, by getting hit on the head by a canister, or getting trapped in the middle of the crowd can make the situation worse.

Here are a few things you can do if a tear gas shell goes off near you:

• First and foremost, do not panic. Even if you inhale CS gas, it will not kill you. Stay calm, and try to move towards a safer place as quickly as possible.
• Breathing in tear gas can cause fluid discharge through the nose and can even induce vomiting. Try to hold your breath, but not for too long. Get to a safer place as soon as possible.
• Rush to a place where you can find water. Wash your face and eyes with lots of water as CS is solid at room temperature and would require proper rinsing. Do not splash water into your eyes, as it can make the situation worse. Rather, tilt your head so that the water falls from one eye, across your nose and on to the floor.

If you plan on going to a place where you could get exposed to tear gas, then these measures might provide you protection from its harmful effects:

• Gas masks are the best defence against tear gas.
• If you don’t have a gas mask, take a bandana or paper towel soaked in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and store it in a plastic bag. The acidified cloth lets you breathe safely for several minutes until you reach a safer place.
• Take tight-fitting swimming goggles with you, to prevent burning in your eyes.
• Do not go wearing contact lenses, as they may get infected by the gas and cause harm to your eyes.

Read more: Home remedies and tips to stop nausea and vomiting