Tear gas
Tear gas is a term used to describe a group of chemical agents frequently employed by law enforcement to manage or disperse crowds. Contrary to its name, tear gas is not a gas but rather a solid powder that is heated and mixed with a solvent to be released as an aerosol. Common chemical compounds categorized as tear gas include chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). These agents act as irritants to the skin and mucous membranes, causing immediate discomfort such as burning sensations in the eyes, mouth, and skin, as well as respiratory distress.
While often utilized in crowd control, the use of tear gas is controversial, especially given its potential for severe health consequences. Prolonged exposure can lead to long-term effects, including respiratory failure, glaucoma, and even death in extreme cases, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Safety protocols for those exposed emphasize moving away from the area, removing contaminated clothing, and seeking medical attention if necessary. The handling of tear gas can also pose risks of burns or injuries due to the heat of the canisters. Understanding the implications of tear gas use is essential for informed discussions about its application in law enforcement and public safety.
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Tear gas
Tear gas is a general term that refers to chemical agents often used by law enforcement to control or disperse crowds. Tear gas, which comes in different chemical forms, is also called a “riot-control agent.” The use of tear gas during war was prohibited by the 1925 Geneva Protocol, though it was still permitted to be used to control crowds outside of war. Tear gas works because it is an irritant to skin and mucous membranes. It can be extremely harmful to people who are exposed to it for long periods, or people who have underlying health conditions.
Overview
Tear gas is not actually a gas but a solid powder. The powder is heated and mixed with a solvent and is released as an aerosol. The two most common chemical compounds generally referred to as tear gas are chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS).
Tear gas works because it is an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. Its chemical agents activate pain receptors. When people breathe or touch the chemicals, they experience pain and, therefore, flee from the area or become incapacitated. Tear gas usually irritates the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, and skin. People who are exposed to it can experience swelling and shutting of eyes; difficulty swallowing; drooling; and burning of the skin, eyes, and mouth. Some people can experience asthma attacks from tear gas, and this can lead to death in extreme cases.
Most people experience the effects of tear gas for about fifteen to thirty minutes after exposure if they can remove the chemical from their skin and remove any clothing contaminated by the chemicals. Nevertheless, people who are exposed to it for long periods or who are unable to remove clothing covered in the chemical agent can experience long-term health effects. People who are exposed for long periods, especially in confined spaces, can experience negative health outcomes as serious as glaucoma, blindness, and respiratory failure.
People can also be injured if they pick up cans of tear gas. Because the gas requires heat to turn into an aerosol, the cans are extremely hot. They can cause burns from touch. They can detonate while people hold them, which can cause injuries from the propellants.
People who are exposed to tear gas should move away from the area where the tear gas is being released. Then, they should remove any clothing that has been exposed to the chemicals. People should cut off clothing instead of pulling it up over the face and head, and they should also shower to remove the chemical from the skin. Additionally, people affected by tear gas should take out and discard contacts or take off and thoroughly clean glasses. Clothing and material covered in tear gas should be put in plastic and discarded. People who have been exposed to tear gas may need to seek medical treatment if they have severe reactions or injuries. For example, medical professionals can treat burns and administer medicine for asthma symptoms.
Bibliography
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