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Explained | What is tear gas – Types, symptoms, prevention & treatment

Reported by:  PTC News Desk  Edited by:  Shefali Kohli -- February 14th 2024 05:32 PM
Explained | What is tear gas – Types, symptoms, prevention & treatment

Explained | What is tear gas – Types, symptoms, prevention & treatment

PTC News Desk: The farmers' protest at the Shambhu border persisted into its second day on Wednesday, with Haryana security personnel deployed tear gas shells, prompting farmers to take precautions with water bottles, wet clothes, and protective gear.

As tensions rose at Shambhu border, here is all you need to know about tear gas 



What is tear gas?  

Tear gas, also known as riot control agents (RCAs) or lachrymatory agents, is a chemical compound used for crowd control and law enforcement purposes. It is typically dispersed in the form of aerosolized particles or canisters, which release the compound into the air. Common lachrymators both currently and formerly used as tear gas include pepper spray (OC gas), PAVA spray (nonivamide), CS gas, CR gas, CN gas (phenacyl chloride), bromoacetone, xylyl bromide and Mace (a branded mixture).

 

Tear Gas – Types 

Tear gas, also known as riot control agents (RCAs) or lachrymatory agents, comes in various types : 
CS Gas (2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile): CS gas is one of the most widely used tear gases. It is a white, crystalline powder that is dispersed in aerosolized form or in canisters

CN Gas (Chloroacetophenone): CN gas was one of the first tear gases developed and used for riot control. It is a chemical compound that causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat

OC Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum): OC spray, commonly known as pepper spray, is derived from chili peppers and contains capsaicinoids which causes intense burning and irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin

CR Gas (Dibenzoxazepine): CR gas is a less common tear gas agent that causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as skin irritation upon contact.

PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide): PAVA is a synthetic compound that is similar in effect to OC spray


Tear Gas – Symptoms 

The chemical compound used for crowd control can pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals or in cases of misuse or overexposure

Eye Symptoms Skin Symptoms
Irritation in eyes  Skin irritation
Burning in eyes  Redness
Redness and pain in eyes  Itching
Temporary blindness Burning sensation on the skin
Blurry vision

Other symptoms includes nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort after exposure to tear gas

 

Tear Gas- Prevention & Treatment 

Move to Fresh Air
The first step is to move away from the area where tear gas was deployed to minimize further exposure. Seek fresh air outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Cover yourself as much as you can 
Wear appropriate protective gear, such as goggles or a gas mask; wear layers of clothes to cover your skin as much as you can 

Use of Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics can function similarly to certain antihistamines by decreasing lacrimation (tearing) and reducing salivation, acting as an antisialagogue. They may also alleviate nose discomfort associated with allergic reactions, such as itching, runny nose, and sneezing.


Wash Exposed Skin
Wash any exposed skin with soap and water to remove traces of tear gas. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this may spread the irritant further.


Tear Gas – Home Remedies Treatment 

Home remedies solutions such as vinegar, petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, milk, and lemon juice vinegar can help alleviate the burning sensation caused by pepper spray. 
Meanwhile, applying baking soda and toothpaste can also help to neutralize the effects of tear gas

(With inputs from agencies)

 

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