Effects of tear gas on the body
Tear gas is a moral weapon that causes effects such as irritation of the eyes, skin and airways while the individual is exposed, its effects last between 5 and 10 minutes and despite the discomfort it causes, it is safe for the body and can very rarely kill.
- This gas is often used by Brazilian police to control riots in prisons.
- Football stadiums and against protesters during street protests.
- But in other countries this gas is often used in urban wars and is composed of 2-chlorobencilren malonitrilo.
- The so-called CS gas.
- And can be used as a spray or bomb-shaped with a range of 150 meters.
Its effects on the body include
Psychological effects include disorientation and panic. All of these effects last 20 to 45 minutes after the person is no longer exposed to this moral weapon.
First aid in case of exposure to tear gas is:
You should not wash your face or bathe while symptoms are present, as water exacerbates the effects of tear gas on the body.
After exposure, all “contaminated” objects should be washed very well as they may contain traces. It is preferable to discard clothing as well as contact lenses. Seeing an ophthalmologist may be indicated to check that your eyes have not been significantly damaged.
The tear gas used in open environments is safe and does not cause death because it disperses rapidly in the air and, in addition, the individual can walk away to breathe better if he feels the need.
However, staying in contact with the gas for more than an hour can cause severe suffocation and breathing difficulties, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. In addition, when gas is used in a closed environment at high concentrations, it can cause burns to the skin, eyes and airways and even cause death due to possible burns to the airways, causing suffocation.
Ideally, the tear gas pump should be fired into the air, so that after it opens, the gas disperses from people, but in some manifestations and manifestations there have already been cases where these real-effect pumps have been fired directly at people, such as a normal firearm, in which case the tear gas pump can be fatal.
If you are exposed to tear gas, it is advisable to move away from the place where the gas is used and cover your face with a cloth or cloth, for example, the farther away the person is, the better for your protection.
Wrapping a piece of activated charcoal in a handkerchief and bringing it closer to the nose and mouth also protects against gas, as activated charcoal neutralizes the gas. The use of vinegar infusion clothing has no protective effect.
Wearing swimming goggles or a mask that completely covers your face is also a good way to protect yourself from the effects of tear gas, but the safest way is to stay away from where the gas is used.