Used during demonstrations or in self-defense, tear gas is very irritating to the eyes, the respiratory tract and the skin. Burning, tears, coughing… Overview of its effects, advice on how to protect yourself from it and express solutions if you are exposed to it.
Eventsattacks… It is possible to find yourself exposed to tear gas. His effects are immediate: burns eyes, throat, makes cry, prevents breathing, causes coughing… What to do ? What does tear gas really contain? ? How to avoid it? By putting his face in his sweater? A scarf in front of his face?
What is tear gas?
Tear gas is a white powder, solid, with the smell of pepper. It is not a real “gas”. “It is used to control populations in the context of demonstrations as can be seen in France and in self-defense” emphasizes Dr. Frédéric Le Guillou, pulmonologist and president of the Association Respiratory health France.
What is the composition of tear gas?
“The detailed composition of tear gas produced and used in France is not made public” recalls the French Association of Toxicology-Chemistry in a information pack published in 2020 which however explains that according to “the main known composition”the tear gas would contain:
- 45% Ortho Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile (molecule that can enter the body through the skin, the respiratory tract or the gastrointestinal system)
- 30% potassium chloride (little toxic salt),
- 14% Epoxy Resin (low irritant solvent)
- 7% anhydrous maleic acid
- 3% 4,7-Methanoisobenzofuran-1,3-dione.
What are the effects and dangers of tear gas?
Tear gas has intense and rapid irritant effects on the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. “The molecules present in the tear gas interact with the mucous membranes, which develops cyanogenic compounds, cyanide derivatives, that’s what gives the irritating effects of this gas” explains Dr Le Guillou before specifying that “effects depend on intensity of exposure and repetition”. Among these effects, tear gas causes:
- burning sensation and eye irritation
- profuse tearing
- eye redness, conjunctivitis
- photophobia
- sneezing,
- rhinorrhea
- cough
- headache
- burning sensation in the tongue, mouth,
- increased salivation
- difficulty breathing
- sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- skin burning sensation (especially if the skin is moist) or even erythema
“Generally, symptoms disappear within 15 to 30 minutes after leaving the contaminated area except during massive or prolonged exposure” indicates the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU).
What to do if you have tear gas in your eyes?
- Do not rub the eyes because the product would be spread more on the face
- Rinse the affected areas thoroughly with cold water (eyes and skin)
- Leave the affected areas in the open air
- If the person wears the lenses, they should wash their hands (with soap) and then remove them
Are the effects of tear gas worse if you have contact lenses?
Yes “Overall ocular effects are more severe in contact lens wearers” confirms the SFMU.
“Wearing a mask, scarf, glasses are part of the barrier gestures tear gas” answers Dr. Le Guillou. People who already have breathing problems should be especially careful:
► Asthmatics. “We must avoid being in contact with the irritating substances of tear gas when we are asthmatic because there can be a worsening of asthma” warn the pulmonologist
► People allergic to pollen. “Being exposed to the major irritants of tear gas during an allergy adds an extra layer to the symptoms, there can be a destabilization of the allergic disease” continues the doctor. Allergies must therefore protect themselves more against the effects of tear gas when it is pollen season “especially if it is windy because it spreads the pollen”.
Thanks to Dr Frédéric Le Guillou, pulmonologist.
Sources:
Focus on tear gas attacksParis police headquarters, February 2021
Modern traumas: “so-called” non-lethal weapons, Emergencies 2013, SFMU
Sheet on 2-ChloroBenzylidene MalotronileToxicology-Chemistry Association, Paris, 2013