Table of contents:
- What is tear gas?
- What is contained in tear gas?
- What is the impact of getting tear gas?
- How can you protect yourself from exposure to tear gas?
- What to do if we get tear gas?
From the riots of May '98, the #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations in the United States some time ago, to the ongoing rejection of the Criminal Code Bill, tear gas is often used to control and disperse crowds. Unfortunately, the use of this gas is still a matter of controversy - especially because it has been officially banned from being used in war zones, but is allowed to control the masses of civilians. So, what should you do immediately to anticipate if you are trapped in a situation like this?
What is tear gas?
Tear gas was first used in World War I by France and Germany as a chemical weapon. Over time, tear gas was used by law enforcement as riot control.
There are three types of tear gas that are currently commonly used, both by individuals and by security forces:
- CS (chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) which began to be developed as a riot taming weapon since the late 1950s.
- CN (chloroacetophenone) - often sold as Mace
- Pepper spray - made from capsaicin mixed with a 'solvent' agent, for example corn oil or vegetable oil. Pepper spray is commonly used as a personal self-defense weapon.
What is contained in tear gas?
Despite its name, tear gas is not really a gas composed of one specific chemical. There are many different compounds in it that were originally solid.
In one can of tear gas, it contains:
- Charcoal: made of wood which is heated until it becomes pure carbon. When the can / grenade pin is pulled, the fuse will ignite the embers. When combined with potassium nitrate, charcoal is flammable.
- Potassium nitrate: Potassium nitrate releases a large amount of oxygen when the wick is removed, which further ignites the flame from the charcoal.
- Silicone: While charcoal and potassium nitrate burn, elemental silicon is converted into superheated micro glass powder (temperature 1371º Celsius) which then mixes with other compounds in the can.
- Sucrose: Sucrose is sugar, which fuels the fire. The sugar will melt at 185º Celsius, which then helps to vaporize other chemicals in it. The oxidizer will help keep the combustion going.
- Potassium chlorate: Potassium chlorate is an oxidizing agent. When heated, potassium chlorate releases tremendous amounts of pure oxygen. Potassium chlorate also breaks down into potassium chloride which produces smoke from grenades.
- Magnesium carbonate: Magnesium carbonate, commonly found in laxatives, fire extinguishers, and swimming pool lime, serves to keep the pH level of the tear gas slightly alkaline; neutralizes all acidic compounds caused by chemical impurities or moisture. When heated, this compound releases carbon dioxide which helps disperse tear gas over a wider range.
- O-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile: O-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile is a tear-producing agent. This compound also produces a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and skin. At least 4 milligrams of O-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile per cubic meter is powerful enough to disperse a crowd of people. O-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile can turn lethal when the dose reaches 25 mg / m².
When it will be used as a mass taming weapon, all of these compounds mix with dissolving agents and turn into a gas that destroys the sensory nerves of the body.
What is the impact of getting tear gas?
Tear gas is generally not lethal, but some of its agents are poisonous and can trigger inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs. The effect of the gas spray can usually start to be felt within 30 seconds of first contact.
Symptoms include a burning sensation in the eyes, excessive tear production, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, chest pain, excessive salivation, skin irritation, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, choking sensation in the throat, disorientation, and drastic emotional changes (confusion, panic)., and intense anger). Those who are heavily contaminated can also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea.
The effects of disorientation and confusion may not be completely psychological. In some cases, the solvents used to prepare the gas can trigger changes in the work of the brain that produce negative psychological reactions, and may be more toxic than the tear-producing agent itself.
How can you protect yourself from exposure to tear gas?
If you feel you will be caught in a vulnerable situation, wearing protective glasses is the greatest protection you can have. you can wearing swimming goggles if special chemical protective goggles are not available.
You can also prevent the risk of shortness of breath due to gas inhalation Soaking a bandana or washcloth in lemon juice or vinegar, and store in a plastic bag. You can breathe through the soaked fabric for a few minutes to give them extra time to escape.
Tear gas grenades will spit out metal containers that will release gases in the air. This container is hot, so don't touch it. Do not pick up tear gas cylinders that are lying on the streets, as they may explode at any time and cause injury.
What to do if we get tear gas?
Tear gas is released in the form of grenades or aerosol cans attached to the end of a gas gun and fired with empty bullets so that the mixture of these substances spreads through the air. Therefore, you may hear a loud gunshot when the trigger of the tear gas is released. Don't panic thinking you were shot by gunpowder.
The best way to deal with it is to stay calm and get some fresh air. Immediately look up when you hear gunfire, and avoid being on the same path as the grenades. Get out of the crowd and find a safe place with good air circulation. Go against the wind or go to higher ground.
Once you have successfully escaped to safety, the gas will subside in about 10 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately. Immediately wash your eyes and face with a sterile saline solution or clean water until the irritation symptoms subside. Alternatively, flush the whole body with milk. Milk is a way to neutralize the effects of tear gas, which is believed to relieve pain.
If you are not wearing protective goggles, goggles, or a gas mask, cover your face with the inside of the shirt. That way, you can buy time to get some air that is not contaminated with gas. However, if your clothes have been sprayed too much, this method will be useless. Take off your clothes immediately so that the exposure to the gas does not irritate the skin further. Skin that is exposed to gas should be washed with soap and water. The skin that has burn symptoms can be bandaged.
If breathing in gas makes it difficult for you to breathe, get extra oxygen help. In some cases, difficulty breathing due to tear gas can also be relieved quickly by inhaling asthma inhalers (inhaled medicine).
